Maple Cinnamon Popcorn
This recipe has very simple ingredients and a simple process.
Easy! Make popcorn. Boil syrup. Add cinnamon, Mix and quickly toast in oven to crisp it up.
The tricky part is cooking the syrup. It is such a small amount its hard to get a good read on a candy thermometer. So I rely on the the time-tested method of dropping a bit of the syrup into a small glass of cold water. Initially it will go to the bottom. Then in a few seconds reach in and roll the bit of syrup into a little ball. It should come right together and be firm when ready. It also looks thicker and more lofty as it boils.
Now I can do this step by eye, but I started out testing the syrup.
Even if the syrup is a little undercooked you have a chance to repair by leaving in the oven a little longer. (Careful…overcooks easily)
The results are well worth the skill learned.
This will keep for several days in an airtight container (like a canning jar) and makes a great holiday gift.
Maple Cinnamon Popcorn
Prep Time: 15 minutes (to make popcorn and cook syrup)
Cook time: 5 minutes
12 cups Stove Top Popcorn
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. cinnamon
Put maple syrup in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium heat. Turn down heat to medium low, enough so the syrup keeps boiling but not too much.
Keep cooking for 12 minutes.
You want to keep it boiling but not burning. The syrup will thicken as it cooks.
Turn on oven to 350 degrees.
Remove from heat and add cinnamon stirring thoroughly. Be very careful handling this hot syrup.
Place popped corn in a large bowl and drizzle the hot cinnamon syrup over. Stir quickly and thoroughly.
Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Spread popcorn out over both sheets in a someone even layer.
Pop in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the popcorn starts to brown. (Keep a close watch …this step does not take long.)
Remove from oven and cool.
Done! Enjoy!
Options:
Add 1 1/2 cups pecans to the syrup with the cinnamon.
Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract to the syrup with the cinnamon.
You can add all kinds of nuts and seeds to this recipe. Dried fruit also adds interesting flavor and texture combinations.
Roughly chopped almonds and bits of Turkish apricots…a touch of almond extract…why not? Experiment and have fun with it!
