Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2–3 tbsp oil (for popping)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions: 

1. Pop the Corn:
   ● Heat a wide pan with a little oil.
   ● Add the corn kernels and toss them in the oil.
   ● Cover the pan and wait for the kernels to pop into fluffy popcorn.
   ● Once done, transfer the popcorn to a separate bowl.
2. Prepare the Caramel:
   ● In the same pan, add butter and a little oil.
   ● Once melted, add brown sugar (or white sugar).
   ● Melt the sugar slowly over medium heat. Do not stir with a spoon continuously, otherwise the sugar will stick to the spoon and crystallize. Stir only occasionally.
   ● Let the sugar caramelize and turn a rich brown color.
3. Add Baking Soda:
   ● Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda.
   ● The caramel will froth and turn shiny, creating a beautiful glaze for your popcorn.
4. Coat the Popcorn:
   ● Pour the caramel over the popped corn.
   ● Gently mix to coat each piece. The caramel may harden quickly, causing the popcorn to stick together.
5. Separate and Cool:
   ● Transfer the sticky popcorn onto a plate or tray.
   ● Let it slightly cool down for 2–3 minutes, and then, using clean, dry hands, gently separate the pieces. Be careful, it might be hot.
6. Serve or Store:
   ● Enjoy your crunchy, shiny caramel popcorn!
   ● Store any leftovers in an airtight container for later snacking.