Thursday, October 14, 2010

Caramel Corn - Dove Chocolate give away



Caramel corn is a fall favorite at our house. Molasses, sugar and butter turn into a crunchy coating for this addicting treat. I made the first batch of the year so I could send it to Mini Me at college, because it travels well and I don't have to worry about it arriving in one perfect piece. I like to make a bigger batch as the holidays get closer because it's the perfect thing to package in a cute tin and have as an instant gift for someone.




Caramel Corn
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 to 3 quarts popped corn
1.Pre heat oven to 250 degrees F.
2.Lightly butter a large mixing bowl and fill with the popcorn
3.Combine sugar, water, molasses, butter vinegar and salt in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium high heat to 260 degrees F (hard crack) or if you don't have a thermometer, until a small amount forms a hard ball when dropped into ice water.
4.Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda.  The mixture will bubble up and look creamy. Pour it over the popcorn and stir to coat. Spread on a lightly greased rimmed cookie sheet.
5.Bake at 250 degrees F. for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
printable recipe



Now if you want to personalize this you can mix in your favoite nuts, raisins, cranberries... almost anything you like and stir it into the mixture just after you add the syrup to the popcorn.  One of my childrens' favorite things to do is to drizzle the cooled caramel corn with melted chocolate. Dark, milk and white chocolate alone, or in combination really dress this up.



Now that leads up to the Dove Chocolate give away. Laura, an Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries has offered one of my readers (ships US addresses only) a Cocoa Classic Bundle which  includes
Mousse Starter Kit (2oz Chef-Seriers Dark Chocolate, 2 Mousse packets), Peanut Butter Baking Bits, and
 Mint Baking Bits, all for just checking out her website.

Dove Chocolate Discoveries
To enter the give away just visit Dove Chocolate Discoveries  then leave  me a comment telling me what you liked best. Be sure and check out their cute recipe section for some chocolate inspiration.
 Please  leave your contact information if your comment doesn't link back to you. Give away ends Sunday October 24.





links: Foodie Fridays at Designs by Gollum