Halloween is almost here and that means my annual excuse to eat my weight in candy has almost arrived! Sadly, that is not an exaggeration my friends. I am a total sucker for Halloween sweets, especially caramel, and what could be more festive than a cone of homemade Caramel Corn? Whether your Halloween plans consist of staying home to pass out candy, throwing a ghoulish party, or visiting friends, you must make this corn.
It's the perfect sweet and crunchy treat for Halloween. Consider it fuel for all things trick-or-treat! Now please excuse me while I make a second batch…or two. I’m stocking up.
{photos by Freutcake}
Caramel Corn- recipe via David Lebovitz
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup popcorn kernels
½ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ teaspoon coarse salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup salted peanuts, or use any toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or cashews. (optional)
Candy thermometer
Directions:
Heat oil with 3 kernels in a 3-quart heavy saucepan, covered, over medium-high heat until 1 or 2 kernels pop. Remove lid and quickly add remaining kernels, then cook, covered, shaking pan frequently, until kernels stop popping, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and uncover. Make sure to pick out any un-popped kernels once cooled. Mix in nuts if desired.
Line bottom of a two shallow baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
Melt butter in a 6-quart heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, and salt and bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is melted. Attach candy thermometer and bring to a boil, without stirring, until syrup registers 300 degrees F, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and immediately stir in vanilla and baking soda using a wooden spoon.
Quickly pour over popcorn and nuts and mix to coat thoroughly. Immediately spread mixture out over baking pans as thinly and evenly as possible.
Let cool completely, then break into bits. Serve in paper cones.
How To Paper Cones
1. Cut decorative craft paper into 8"x8" squares. (I used patterned scrap-book paper from Michaels)
2. Starting at one corner, roll paper to form cone shape.
3. Fold bottom of cones point up and staple closed.
4. Tape side of cone to secure with decorative tape.
5. Fill with caramel corn.
Jacquelyn | lark&linen says
you are just so crafty. I know I've said it a million and one times, but I wish we lived closer. I could totally use a caramel corn cone on a day like today!
freutcake says
Oh Jacquelyn, I feel the same way! I would totally bring you a cone of corn and a latte if I could. 😉 xo
Tiffany says
Love this! the hand-lettering is gorgeous!
freutcake says
Thank you Tiffany!
anna Today I Like Blog says
I love it! here in Spain Halloween is not such a big party as it is in the States... but it's also popular 🙂 people go out to celebrate dressed up in different costumes. but where I live, in Barcelona, we have a different traddition and we eat chestnuts and some typical sweets 🙂
freutcake says
Sounds like fun! I would love to see what Halloween in Barcelona looks like. 🙂 Will you be sharing pictures on your blog?
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I love caramel corn! And something tells me I would love it even more if it was served in these cute little cones! My sweet tooth is raring to go too - bring on the treats!
freutcake says
Haha I love it! Yes, Caramel Corn is so much more fun to eat when served in a paper cone. Pretty much anything in a cone is better in my book.
Inna says
I recently made white-choc & cashew caramel corn. I kept thinking I wish I knew a clever way to serve it. I love the cones! Sooo... cute! Xo Inna
BAKING IN COUTURE
http://www.bakingincouture.com
freutcake says
Thank you Inna! White chocolate cashew caramel corn sounds decadent. 🙂
christin says
I want to make this but I am horrified of caramel...
Jen Serafini says
This looks delicious! Great idea for Halloween, I especially love the patterned paper.
freutcake says
Thanks Jen! It's a super simple way to get festive and all of the paper is available at Michaels in the scrap book section. 🙂
Lane Culpepper says
Yuuuuuum! I already ordered a big tin of cub scouts caramel corn, or I'd be knocking on your door for some!
freutcake says
You may just get some anyway! 😉