Popcorn Class

 

Sept. 2021 Garden Club
Popcorn: The snack with even higher antioxidants levels than fruits and vegetables.
Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 percent of the daily intake of whole grain. The average person only gets about half a serving of whole grains a day, and popcorn can fill that gap. The way YOU prepare and serve popcorn can quickly determine its healthful image. [by Karla Kimball, AMFSA]

HEALTHY POPCORN
Place in a paper bag:
1 t. coconut oil
½ t. salt
½ c. popcorn kernels
Place in microwave 2 ½ to 3 minutes on High.

Homemade Spray Butter
1 T. melted butter (must be butter, not margarine)
1 t. HOT water
Put in spray bottle and use immediately.
Spritz your popcorn with butter and sprinkle with popcorn sprinkles.

Popcorn sprinkles…..jello, instant pudding mixes, garlic salt, ranch dressing mix, powdered cheese mix, cinnamon sugar, crushed peppermint or spearmint or butterscotch candies, etc.

Popcorn add ins……milk duds, M&Ms, chopped candy bars, crushed or mini oreos, peanuts, marshmallows, etc.


MORTON POPCORN SALT = SUPER FINE – MY FAVORITE SALT FOR MANY THINGS

HONEY BUTTER POPCORN

Place in bowl & microwave for 1 minute, stirring once.
2 T. butter
2 T. Honey
Pour over the bag of popcorn. Shake well. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Shake again. Enjoy!!

HONEY CARAMEL POPCORN
1 c. unpopped popcorn kernels
½ c. butter or coconut oil
½ c. honey
½ c. brown sugar OR sucanat
1/8 T. salt
½ t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt. Bring to boil and boil one minute.
Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and stir well with a wooden spoon.

Popcorn Cake
5 to 6 qts. Popped popcorn (1 c. un-popped)
10 oz. mini marshmallows (6 cups)
1 cube butter
1 tsp. butter extract
¼ t. salt
Candy corn, M&Ms, gum drops, etc
Place popcorn in large bowl and set aside. Place in 8 c. glass measure, marshmallows, butter, extract and salt. Microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes. Stir & microwave for 1 to 2 more minutes until melted. Pour over popcorn and stir well. Stir in candy if desired. Place in sprayed angel food cake pan. Once set up remove from pan. Cover with foil to help keep moist.

** This can be decorated with decorator’s icing if desired.

*** This can also be formed into popcorn balls and wrapped in waxed paper.

Crispy Popcorn Bars
3 qts. Popped popcorn
1/3 c. butter
4 c. mini marshmallows
1 t. vanilla
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Place popped popcorn in large bowl. Place butter & marshmallows in 8 cup glass measure and microwave for 1 ½ minutes. Stir and microwave 1 more minute or until melted together. Stir in vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and stir well. Press into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Melt chocolate in microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir and repeat until melted. Place melted chocolate in heavy duty ziplock bag, snip the corner and drizzle over the top. Chill until set. Cut & Serve.

Holiday Popcorn Mix
2 bags microwave popcorn, popped OR pop 2 bags of Healthy Popcorn (see above)
about 3 c. Bugles (just dump some in)
about 2 c. pretzels (just dump some in)
1 c. Reese's pieces candy
4 squares melted almond bark
Mix together in large metal bowl: popcorn, Bugles, and pretzels. Melt almond bark in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 60 seconds until melted. Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and stir well. Stir in the candy pieces. That's it!! For Christmas I used Corn Chex Cereal instead of the Bugles and M&Ms instead of Reese's pieces.

RANCH POPCORN
¼ t. onion powder & garlic powder
½ t. dill weed
1/8 t. salt
¼ t. pepper
1 bag popped popcorn
Mix together spices & sprinkle into bag of popcorn. Shake well and serve.

Popcorn Crisp
3 qts. Popped popcorn (1/2 c. un-popped)
½ c. brown sugar
½ c. butter
1 c. salted nuts (optional)
Place popcorn in 18x13x2 inch pan. Cream together with hand mixer, brown sugar & butter. Drop spoonsful over top of popcorn. Sprinkle the nuts over the top if adding them. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring twice. Popcorn should be lightly browned and crisp.

Snacker’s Delight
2 qts. Popped popcorn
1 c. raisins or craisins
1 c. peanuts
1 c. coconut
1 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. M&Ms
Mix together and serve.

Meatloaf
1 ½ lbs. Hamburger
¼ c. onion, chopped
¼ c. milk
2 eggs
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
3 c. finely ground, popped popcorn
Ketchup & parsley for garnish
Combine all ingredients (except the ketchup & parsley). Place in ungreased glass loaf pan. Microwave at 60% power for 10 minutes. Cover the top with ketchup and sprinkle with dried parsley and return to microwave for 8 to 10 minutes more at 60% power. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking inside. Do not overcook.

THESE LAST 4 MAY NOT BE THE HEALTHIEST BUT THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES!!! SO I THOUGHT I’D SHARE THEM……

CARAMEL POPCORN
1 c. unpopped popcorn, popped
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
Cook in saucepan, stirring occasionally and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Stir in: 1 t. vanilla
Pour over popped popcorn. Stir and enjoy!

Sticky Popcorn
1 2/3 c. sugar
1 c. butter
2/3 c. Karo syrup
1 t. butter extract
½ t. vanilla
6 qts. Popcorn
Mix all together in saucepan. Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly. DO NOT LET IT BOIL! Pour over popcorn.

CARMELLOW CORN.........AKA: KARL MALONE CORN
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 c. miniature marshmallows
2 qt. popped popcorn
nuts, optional
In 2 qt. bowl, microwave butter & sugar 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in marshmallows. Cook 1 more min. Pour over popcorn (and nuts). Make into balls or serve in bowls. FAST, EASY, and GOOD!!!

Jello Popcorn Balls
6 qts. Popped popcorn
1 c. karo syrup
1 c. sugar
3 oz. Jello (any flavor)
Place popcorn in large bowl and set aside. Place in saucepan, karo, sugar & jello. Heat over medium heat just until it comes to a boil (don’t overcook). Pour over popcorn and stir well. To form balls put WATER on hands (not butter). Wrap each popcorn ball in waxed paper.

** I like to microwave them for about 10 seconds and then eat them.

Savory Popcorn

As good as potato chips but healthier!!

Salt & Vinegar Popcorn

1/2 c. popcorn popped in 2 T. canola oil.

Sprinkle with:

1-2 t. sea salt 

1-2 T. powdered distilled vinegar

Dilly Garlic & Cheese Popcorn
1/2 c. unpopped popcorn, air popped
2 T. butter, melted
1/4 c. parmesan cheese
1 t. dried dill weed
1 t.  garlic salt
Pop popcorn and drizzle with butter.  Mix together the dry ingredients and sprinkle over popcorn. 

Healthy Popcorn

Healthy Popcorn = Advanced Master Food Safety Presentation Oct. 2017

Popcorn: The snack with even higher antioxidants levels than fruits and vegetables. 

Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain.  One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 percent of the daily intake of whole grain. The average person only gets about half a serving of whole grains a day, and popcorn can fill that gap. The way YOU prepare and serve popcorn can quickly determine its healthful image.                                                        [October 2017 by Karla Kimball, AMFSA]

HEALTHY POPCORN

Place in a paper bag:

1 t. coconut oil

½ t. salt

½ c. popcorn kernels

Place in microwave 2 ½ to 3 minutes on High. 

Homemade Spray Butter

1 T. melted butter (must be butter, not margarine)

1 t. HOT water

Put in spray bottle and use immediately. 

Spritz your popcorn with butter and sprinkle with popcorn sprinkles.

Popcorn sprinkles…..jello, instant pudding mixes, garlic salt, ranch dressing mix, powdered cheese mix, cinnamon sugar, crushed peppermint or spearmint or butterscotch candies, etc.

Popcorn add ins……milk duds, M&Ms, chopped candy bars, crushed or mini oreos, peanuts, marshmallows, etc.

MORTON POPCORN SALT = SUPER FINE – MY FAVORITE SALT FOR MANY THINGS

HONEY BUTTER POPCORN

Place in bowl & microwave for 1 minute, stirring once.

2 T. butter

2 T. Honey

Pour over the bag of popcorn.  Shake well. Sprinkle with salt if desired.  Shake again.  Enjoy!!

HONEY CARAMEL POPCORN

1 c. unpopped popcorn kernels

½ c. butter or coconut oil

½ c. honey

½ c. brown sugar OR sucanat

1/8 T. salt

½ t. baking soda

1 t. vanilla

Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, honey, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to boil and boil one minute.

Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.  Pour over the popcorn and stir well with a wooden spoon.

Popcorn Cake

5 to 6 qts. Popped popcorn (1 c. un-popped)

10 oz. mini marshmallows (6 cups)

1 cube butter

1 tsp. butter extract

¼ t. salt

Candy corn, M&Ms, gum drops, etc

Place popcorn in large bowl and set aside.  Place in 8 c. glass measure, marshmallows, butter, extract and salt.  Microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes.  Stir & microwave for 1 to 2 more minutes until melted.  Pour over popcorn and stir well.  Stir in candy if desired.  Place in sprayed angel food cake pan.  Once set up remove from pan.  Cover with foil to help keep moist. 

** This can be decorated with decorator’s icing if desired. 

*** This can also be formed into popcorn balls and wrapped in waxed paper. 

 Crispy Popcorn Bars

3 qts. Popped popcorn

1/3 c. butter

4 c. mini marshmallows

1 t. vanilla

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Place popped popcorn in large bowl.  Place butter & marshmallows in 8 cup glass measure and microwave for 1 ½ minutes.  Stir and microwave 1 more minute or until melted together.  Stir in vanilla.  Pour over the popcorn and stir well.  Press into a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Melt chocolate in microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir and repeat until melted.  Place melted chocolate in heavy duty ziplock bag, snip the corner and drizzle over the top.  Chill until set.  Cut & Serve. 

Holiday Popcorn Mix

2 bags microwave popcorn, popped OR pop 2 bags of Healthy Popcorn (see above)

about 3 c. Bugles (just dump some in)

about 2 c. pretzels (just dump some in) 

1 c. Reese's pieces candy

4 squares melted almond bark

Mix together in large metal bowl: popcorn, Bugles, and pretzels.  Melt almond bark in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 60 seconds until melted.  Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and stir well. Stir in the candy pieces.  That's it!! For Christmas I used Corn Chex Cereal instead of the Bugles and M&Ms instead of Reese's pieces.

RANCH POPCORN

¼ t. onion powder & garlic powder

½ t. dill weed

1/8 t. salt

¼ t. pepper

1 bag popped popcorn

Mix together spices & sprinkle into bag of popcorn.  Shake well and serve.

Popcorn Crisp

3 qts. Popped popcorn (1/2 c. un-popped)

½ c. brown sugar

½ c. butter

1 c. salted nuts (optional)

Place popcorn in 18x13x2 inch pan.  Cream together with hand mixer, brown sugar & butter.  Drop spoonsful over top of popcorn.  Sprinkle the nuts over the top if adding them.  Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring twice.  Popcorn should be lightly browned and crisp. 

Snacker’s Delight

2 qts. Popped popcorn

1 c. raisins or craisins

1 c. peanuts

1 c. coconut

1 c. sunflower seeds

1 c. M&Ms

Mix together and serve.

Meatloaf

1 ½ lbs. Hamburger

¼ c. onion, chopped

¼ c. milk

2 eggs

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. salt

1/8 t. pepper

3 c. finely ground, popped popcorn

Ketchup & parsley for garnish

Combine all ingredients (except the ketchup & parsley).  Place in ungreased glass loaf pan.  Microwave at 60% power for 10 minutes.  Cover the top with ketchup and sprinkle with dried parsley and return to microwave for 8 to 10 minutes more at 60% power.  Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking inside.  Do not overcook.

THESE LAST 4 MAY NOT BE THE HEALTHIEST BUT THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES!!!  SO I THOUGHT I’D SHARE THEM……

CARAMEL POPCORN

1 c. unpopped popcorn, popped

1 c. light corn syrup

1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. sugar

Cook in saucepan, stirring occasionally and boil for 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

Stir in:  1 t. vanilla

Pour over popped popcorn.  Stir and enjoy!

Sticky Popcorn

1 2/3 c. sugar

1 c. butter

2/3 c. Karo syrup

1 t. butter extract

½ t. vanilla

6 qts. Popcorn

Mix all together in saucepan.  Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly.  DO NOT LET IT BOIL!  Pour over popcorn. 

  

CARMELLOW CORN.........AKA: KARL MALONE CORN

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. brown sugar

3 c. miniature marshmallows

2 qt. popped popcorn

nuts, optional

In 2 qt. bowl, microwave butter & sugar 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in marshmallows. Cook 1 more min. Pour over popcorn (and nuts). Make into balls or serve in bowls.  FAST, EASY, and GOOD!!!

Jello Popcorn Balls

6 qts. Popped popcorn

1 c. karo syrup

1 c. sugar

3 oz. Jello (any flavor)

Place popcorn in large bowl and set aside.  Place in saucepan, karo, sugar & jello. Heat over medium heat just until it comes to a boil (don’t overcook). Pour over popcorn and stir well.  To form balls put WATER on hands (not butter).  Wrap each popcorn ball in waxed paper. 

** I like to microwave them for about 10 seconds and then eat them. 

Karla's 2016 Favorite Recipes!!

I can't believe 2016 is ending!!  The year has sped by so fast...  I usually wait to compile this until the New Year.  But decided I would make it my Christmas Gift this year!!  Hope you enjoy a taste of our favorites this year!!  

At Thanksgiving time I wanted a Thanksgiving Snack for munching, so I set out to create one.  I love my go to snack of microwave popcorn drizzled with melted almond bark so that became my basic recipe. I added bugles to look like cornucopias, I added pretzels for a color contrast and fall colored candies.   This is what I came up with....and everyone loved it.  I think it will be made very often...not just for Thanksgiving.  It is addicting & easy & everyone loves it!!!  My newest and this year's BEST!!! 

Thanksgiving/Holiday Popcorn Mix

2 bags microwave popcorn, popped 

about 3 c. Bugles (just dump some in)

about 2 c. pretzels (just dump some in)  

1 c. Reese's pieces candy

4 or 5 squares melted almond bark (I prefer 4)  

Mix together in large metal bowl: popcorn, Bugles, and pretzels .

Melt almond bark in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 60 seconds until melted.  Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and stir well. Stir in the candy.  That's it!!

I had planned to add candy corn too but I forgot.  Maybe next time?

For Christmas I used Corn Chex Cereal instead of the Bugles and M&Ms instead of Reese's pieces.  I took this to our Garden Club Party and every crumb was gone.  It would be great for any holiday and can be changed according to your likes....I am changing the name to Holiday Popcorn Mix.  

Chicken Tortellini Soup in a Crock Pot - I used my instant pot so I could brown the chicken before adding the other ingredients. 
1½ pounds boneless chicken breast (I used thighs, cubed and browned in a little oil, before adding other ingredients - or just add whole chicken pieces and remove and shred or cube after it has cooked)
2 c. carrots, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 c. water
2 T. chicken bouillon
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 T. dried parsley
1 t. season salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. cheese tortellini

Add all of the ingredients except for the tortellini to a crock pot or instant pot.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Stir in the tortellini and cook for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked all the way through.
Note:  if you are in a hurry & want to cook this using the pressure cooker of the Instant pot - add everything except the tortellini and set on high for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile cook the tortellini on the stove top and add to soup at serving time. .  OR at the end add tortellini to the instant pot and cook at high pressure for 4 more minutes. 

Cucumber Tomato Salad
For the salad:
Approximately 3 cups peeled & sliced cucumbers
3 cups of Juliet & Sun Sugar tomatoes or whatever you have
1/3 c. chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil (I used sweet basil and lime basil)
For the dressing:
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
3/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1/2 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 t. dill weed
1 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt 
1/4 t. pepper

Place salad ingredients in large bowl and toss.
Mix dressing ingredients in small bowl; stir to combine well.  Drizzle with the dressing at serving time.

TOMATO BASIL BREAD
1/2 c. warm milk - microwave 30 seconds
1/2 c. pureed ripe tomatoes (blend in blender with the garlic & herbs)
2 T. fresh basil, minced
1 T. fresh chives, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. fresh oregano, minced
1 egg
2 T. oil
1/2 t. salt

1 T. sugar
3 c. slightly rounded, bread flour
1 T. yeast

GARLIC CHIVE SPREAD
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 T. fresh chives, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
Place bread ingredients in bread machine pan in order listed.   Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing, add 1 to 2 T. water or flour if needed.  Bake in bread machine or remove dough, form into 2 artisan loaves and bake in oven at 375 for 20 minutes.  

In bowl, combine spread ingredients. Serve with bread. 

I also used this dough to make pizza crust.  It made enough for a cookie sheet and a half sized cookie sheet.  I sprayed the pans.  Patted out the dough and baked it at 375 for 10 minutes.  Then I used 16 oz. tomato sauce, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt & pepper for my sauce.  Sprinkled with cheese and canadian bacon and basil or pizza seasoning.  Baked 15 more minutes.  It turned out great!!  And the tomato lovers garnished it with fresh sliced tomatoes.

** So I can make this all year round I puree my tomatoes and herbs together and freeze them in little jars.  

    

Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Pie

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sugar

1 T. vanilla

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1 egg

10 caramels unwrapped or 1/2 c. caramel sauce (I used my 6 minute caramel sauce)

1 1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

caramel and/or chocolate sauce to drizzle for serving

On stove heat 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet on medium low, add butter. When butter is completely melted stir in sugar. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and egg. Stir to incorporate all ingredients and pat into a layer of dough covering the skillet. Drizzle caramel on top of dough, then add chocolate chips and coconut. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Don't bake until center is totally cooked, the pan will stay hot and it will continue to bake after removing from oven..

Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel and/or chocolate sauce. 

Fresh Raspberry Pie
5 to 6 c. fresh raspberries
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. water
1 to 1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. Instant Clear Jel
Mash 2 cups of the raspberries in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and water.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and Instant ClearJel, then sprinkle this over the raspberry mixture; stir to combine.
Fold the remaining berries into the mashed berry mixture.
Spoon the berry mixture into the pie shell formed in a 10 or 12"cast iron skillet and fold over the edges or add a top crust.  Brush with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar. 

Yield: 1 pie, 8 to 10 servings.  With leftovers to drizzle over the ice cream. 

Great in a cast iron skillet.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes on lowest oven rack.

 

Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 T. vanilla 

1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips, divided

Mix together:  flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

Place in mixing bowl:  eggs, both sugars, vanilla, and butter beat well.

Add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix well.

Add 1 c. chocolate chips and mix in.

Spread mixture evenly in a lightly sprayed cast iron skillet.

Spread the remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips on the top of the mixture and gently push them in.

Bake at 375 for 17 to 19 minutes.

This recipe was lost for many years.  Grandma Janie Kimball had given this recipe to Caroline McConnel many years ago.  Right before our fire Sharon McConnel (Caroline's daughter) found it and sent it to me.  I knew I had saved it on my computer but my computer was ruined in the fire.  I asked Sharon again but she was unable to locate it.  This year going thru some photos I had saved on my portable hard disc I found it!!  Happy day!!  It has become one of our family favorites!!  It will be our Christmas Dessert this Year!!!  Hope you like it too!! Merry Christmas!!

Grandma Janie Kimball's Devil's Food Cake
Mix together:
1/2 c. soft shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
Beat in thoroughly one at a time:
2 large eggs
Sift together:
1 3/4 c. cake flour **   (I used 1 1/2 c. flour and 1/4 c. corn starch)
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
Beat into sugar mixture alternately with:
1 c. sour or sweet milk (sour = buttermilk or sweet = raw milk - Grandma used sweet milk)
Blend in:
2 qs. chocolate (Grandma used 1/2 c. cocoa & fill to 1 cup line with boiling water). Makes a thin batter.  Pour into greased and floured 8 x 12 inch oblong pan.  Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 min. 

**  for 1 cup cake flour you can substitute with 2 T. corn starch & 3/4 c. all purpose flour sifted together. 

***google says qs = quantity sufficient, an old term

This is the frosting I used on it.....my newest chocolate favorite!!! 

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

2 c. (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. butter, cubed

1 c. (8 ounces) sour cream

4-1/2 to 6 c. confectioners' sugar

In a small saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat (or in microwave). Transfer to mixer bowl; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.  
**Thin with water or milk to make a great glaze.  I keep this in the fridge, it is great on anything that needs a chocolate finish.

My Christmas Wish for you.......As you sit around the table eating and enjoying the precious gift of family I pray you will feel the love of our Savior and His richest blessing will be yours This Christmas Season. May your CHRISTMAS be MERRY and 2017 be the best year ever!!! Love to all ~ Karla 

Day 20 = Jesus Saw Potential in Others and So Can You
#LIGHTtheWorld

Thanksgiving/Holiday Popcorn Mix

I wanted a Thanksgiving Snack for munching, so I set out to create one.  I love my go to snack of microwave popcorn drizzled with melted almond bark so that became my basic recipe. I added bugles to look like cornucopias, I added pretzels for a color contrast and fall colored candies.    This is what I came up with....and everyone loved it.  I think it will be made very often...not just for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving / Holiday Popcorn Mix 

2 bags microwave popcorn, popped 

about 3 c. Bugles (just dump some in)

about 2 c. pretzels (just dump some in)  

1 c. Reese's pieces candy

4 or 5 squares melted almond bark (I prefer 4)  

 Mix together in large metal bowl: popcorn, Bugles, and pretzels .

Melt almond bark in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 60 seconds until melted.  Drizzle over the popcorn mixture and stir well. Stir in the candy pieces.  That's it!!

I had planned to add candy corn too but I forgot.  Maybe next time?

For Christmas I used Corn Chex Cereal instead of the Bugles and M&Ms instead of Reese's pieces.  I took this to our Garden Club Party and every crumb was gone.  It would be great for any holiday and can be changed according to your likes....I am changing the name to Holiday Popcorn Mix.

Microwave Popcorn

Microwave Popcorn
Mix together:
1 t. oil (Coconut oil works great....butter, or whatever you like)
1/2 c. popcorn kernels
1/2 t. salt
Place in paper bag, fold top twice.  Microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Salted Caramel Popcorn

Salted Caramel Popcorn
Pop 1/2 c. popcorn
Bring to boil and boil 4 minutes without stirring:
1 c. butter
1/3 c. karo
1 c. brown sugar
1 t. salt
Pour over popped popcorn.  Spread on a cookie sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.  Sprinkle with 1/2 t. Kosher salt.  Bake at 300 for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Christmas = Caramel Cravings

Here is my handout from a class I taught recently with my favorite Caramel Recipes.  

CHRISTMAS = CARAMEL CRAVINGS   

Much faster…..but just as tasty as one of my old time favorites. 

7 MINUTE CARAMELS

Combine in a 2 quart bowl:

1/4 c. butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk

Microwave on high for 2:22 minutes 3 times stirring every 2:22 minutes, for a total of about 7 minutes. Pour into buttered 8 x 8 glass pan.  Cool. Cut. Wrap individually in waxed paper. 

OR

14 MINUTE CARAMELS = a double batch (TO USE THE WHOLE CAN OF SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK AND TO HAVE TWICE AS MANY CARAMELS!!)  Use a 4 qt. bowl – double all the ingredients – Microwave 3:33 minutes 4 times stirring every 3:33 minutes, for a total of about 14 minutes. – Pour into a buttered 9x13 glass pan. 

HINTS:  To test the caramels to see if they have cooked enough – pour a spoonful of caramel into a cup of ice water. 

When cutting caramels use a plastic knife or kitchen shears. 

GIFT IDEAS – wrap in waxed paper and toss into a lunch sack or wrap in TP rolls or make a paper plate basket. 

ADDITIONAL USES ….

NO MESS CARAMEL APPLES ….. Cut an apple in half, core it and hollow it making a nice sized cavity, pour the caramel into this cavity, when caramel has set up, cut into slices and serve.....

TURTLES ..... Pecans, caramel and chocolate

PRETZEL STICKS …. dip in caramel and drizzle or dip in chocolate

6 MINUTE CARAMEL SAUCE

1/4 c. butter

1/2.c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2. c. light corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk, divided

Place first 4 ingredients and 1/2 of the sweetened condensed milk in a 2 qt. glass measure and stir well. Microwave for 2 minutes 3 times stirring every 2 minutes, for a total of 6 minutes. Stir in remaining sweetened condensed milk. If sauce is too thick stir in water 1 T. at a time until desired consistency. Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds at serving time.  Pour over ice cream....top with nuts, whipped cream and more caramel sauce......YUMMY!  It is great on just about anything!!!

GIFT IDEA – Pour into canning jars and you have an instant gift. 

CARAMEL APPLE NAUCHOS 

Spread sliced apples on plate.  Drizzle with caramel sauce.  Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. 

HINT:  soak apples in salt/water OR pineapple juice/water solution to prevent them from turning brown. 

SALTED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

1/2 c. butter, divided in half

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

14 oz. sweetened condensed milk, divided

1 1/2 c. Club Cracker crumbs or Graham Cracker crumbs (I prefer Club)

16 oz. cream cheese

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. sour cream

Stir together in a 2 qt. glass measuring cup: 1/4 c. butter, sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk.  Microwave on high for 2:22 minutes 3 times stirring every 2:22 minutes for a total of about 7 minutes.

Remove caramel mixture from microwave and stir in the remainder of the sweetened condensed milk.  Pour 2/3 c. of this mixture into another bowl and save for topping. Place the rest of the caramel mixture in mixer bowl.

Wrap outside of a 10 inch springform pan with 2 layers of aluminum foil.   In the springform pan mix together the cracker crumbs and 1/4 c. melted butter and pat into bottom of pan forming a crust.

Add cream cheese to the mixer bowl (along with the caramel) and beat on high for 1 minute.

Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream and beat on high for 1 minute.

Pour caramel mixture over the crust in springform pan. Place springform pan in a larger pan filled with 1/2 inch of water and then place in a 325 degree oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until center is set.

Remove from oven and remove springform pan from water. Remove the foil and cool cheesecake on a wire rack.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (chill overnight for best flavor). Remove from springform pan to serving platter.  Microwave the reserved caramel mixture for 20 seconds and then pour over the top of the cheesecake. Sprinkle with course Kosher Salt, to taste and serve.

CARAMEL POPCORN

1 c. unpopped popcorn, popped

1 c. light corn syrup

1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. sugar

Cook in saucepan, stirring occasionally and boil for 1 minute.  Remove from heat.

Stir in:  1 t. vanilla

Pour over popped popcorn.  Stir and enjoy!

CARMELLOW CORN.........AKA: KARL MALONE CORN

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. brown sugar

3 c. miniature marshmallows

2 qt. popped popcorn

nuts, optional

In 2 qt. bowl, microwave butter & sugar 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in marshmallows. Cook 1 more min. Pour over popcorn (and nuts). Make into balls or serve in bowls.  FAST, EASY, and GOOD!!!

Caramel Microwave Popcorn

Years ago I gave this recipe to my friend, Sherri Walton.  She made it for our Family Home Evening Treat tonight and I got the recipe back.....

Caramel Microwave Popcorn
Place 4 quarts of popped popcorn in a large paper grocery sack.
1 cube butter
1/4 c. karo
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. salt
Microwave on High for 2 minutes. Stir.  Microwave 2 more minutes.
Add: 1/4 t. vanilla & 1/4 t. baking soda
Stir. Pour over popcorn in paper sack.  Shake.  Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.  Shake.  Microwave 1 1/2 minutes more.  Shake.  Microwave 30 seconds more.

Halloween Popcorn

Halloween Popcorn
2 bags microwave popcorn, popped  or 1/2 c. popcorn, popped in hot air popper
1 bag candy corn
16-ounce package white chocolate bark
Halloween sprinkles
wax paper

Place the popped popcorn and candy corn in a very large bowl (you need plenty of room to stir the popcorn). Melt the white chocolate bark in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until melted. Drizzle over the popcorn and candy corn and stir to coat each piece of popcorn. Pour the mixture over wax paper and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles and allow to cool for at least 15-30 minutes. Break into pieces. Serves 6-8.

3 New Popcorn Recipes.....

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn
23 large marshmallows
2 cups brown sugar
1/4 c. Karo corn syrup

1 c. butter
1 t. vanilla extract
1 c. unpopped popcorn, popped
Melt together:  marshallows, brown sugar, karo, butter & vanilla.  Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir & repeat until melted.
Pour over popcorn and stir well.

Cinnamon Popcorn

1 c. unpopped popcorn, popped

1/3 c. coconut oil

1/3 c. maple syrup

3 drops of cinnamon oil

6 drops doTERRA OnGuard essential oil

ground cinnamon

popcorn salt

While popping popcorn, melt in microwave 1/3 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil. Stir in 1/3 cup maple syrup, 3 drops of Cinnamon oil & 6 drops of  doTERRA OnGuard essential oil.  Drizzle over popcorn & stir.   Sprinkle with ground cinnamon & popcorn salt.

Cookie Butter Popcorn

1/2 c. unpopped popcorn, popped
16 oz  Krogers vanilla candy coating (or candyquik)
3 T.  cookie butter (found at Trader Joes ... Biscoff or Peanut butter will work too)
1/2 c. colored candy melts
1 1/2 c. m&m's
Sprinkles
Pop your popcorn and place in a large bowl. Next melt your vanilla candy coating in the microwave according to the package directions. Then add the cookie butter to the melted chocolate. Stir until combined. Drizzle the coating over the popcorn. Stir until evenly coated. Mix in m&m's and then spread out on wax paper.
Melt your colored candy melts in the microwave and then drizzle on top of the popcorn. You can  food coloring to white chocolate chips as well.  Top with sprinkles.  Enjoy!

Christmas Party Food......

Last night was the Gem County Garden Club Christmas Party.  Yes, we had too much great food and everyone wanted everyone else's recipe.....so, here they are.

NILLA Turtle Cookie Balls          Lacey Bayes    Bakerschocolate.com and Ziploc.com1 pkg (8 oz) Philadelphia cream cheese – softened
70 Nilla wafers – finely crushed (about 2-1/3 cups)
3 Tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
2 pkgs (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate – melted
¼ cup chopped Planters pecansMix first 3 ingredients until well blended. Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls – FREEZE 10 minutes. Dip balls into melted chocolate, place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. 

HINTS FROM LACEY – reduced-fat cream cheese is just as delightful, white chocolate/vanilla bark is a nice substitution. Use a plastic fork with the middle tines broken out to dip balls in chocolate – makes for nicer-looking end product.  

BEER BREAD
JoAn Rice – Bread in a hurry!!!!3 cups of all purpose flour (I use whole wheat)
4-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup – or less of sugar
½ teaspoon salt – you can use less
1 12-ounce can/bottle of beer – Jan uses Miller Genuine Draft

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl – add beer – stir (the smoother the mix, the less dense the bread. Pour mixture into buttered loaf pan and bake 45 minutes – remove bread from over and brush with butter. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds, etc. on it at this time. Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes – Remove to rack to cool. JoAn has also deleted ½ cup of all purpose flour and added ½ cup flax seed – Very FORGIVING recipe. ENJOY!!! – Jan Irving & JoAn

KIM BAUER’S TRASH MIX – GREAT SNACK1 box corn chex 1 bag pretzel stix or your choice
1 box white cheddar cheesets – or -- 
1 bag butter crackers Nuts if wantedPlace these ingredients in a 13 gallon trash bag – mix gently.
Coating – 
2 cups canola oil 2 pkgs dried ranch dressing
Crushed red pepper (to taste) 
½-1 tsp garlic/pepper seasoningMix this coating together and pour into trash bag of “chex” mix – rotate bag every hour to distribute seasonings. Eat – Enjoy (from my sis -- Sharon Bauer)

OVEN CARAMEL POPCORN  (Jan Irving) 

Recipe from Marilyn Riffie/Christmas Sharing note/2010 – wonderful corn

5 quarts popped corn                              2 cups brown sugar

1 cup butter                                           ½ cup corn syrup (I use light)

1 teaspoon salt                                      ½ teaspoon baking soda

Pour the popped corn into a large roasting pan.  Combine sugar, butter, syrup and salt in a heavy saucepan and boil 5 minutes – stir constantly to avoid burning.  Remove from heat and add the baking soda, stir.  Pour syrup mixture onto popped corn and stir till corn is coated well.  Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour (I stirred mine every 20 minutes).  Spread baked caramel corn on waxed paper-covered cookie sheet and carefully break into serving pieces as it cools.  Store in tightly sealed container. 

Twix Caramel Popcorn

a post from Alisha Youngberg....she finds the best recipes......

Twix Caramel Popcorn

5 quarts plain air popped popcorn

1 cup butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 "fun size" Twix candy bars, chopped
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted-to drizzle over popcorn

Preheat oven to 250.   Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.

 In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. Pour caramel in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat. Gently stir until all of the popcorn is covered.

Place popcorn on two large shallow baking sheets and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for about an hour. Remove popcorn from oven and let cool completely. Break popcorn into pieces and mix in chopped Twix candy bars. Drizzle popcorn with melted chocolate. Let the popcorn sit until chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Cranberry Orange Caramel Corn

I love all popcorn recipes and this one does sound good.....I will have to give it a try soon!!
My cousin, Eilleen Waddell says this recipe was a hit at her house.

Cranberry Orange Caramel Corn
12 c. popped popcorn, (1/2 c. kernels)
1 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. whole almonds
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. karo
2 T. orange juice
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. baking soda
Combine popcorn, cranberries and almonds; set aside.
In a saucepan cook & stir the butter, brown sugar & karo over medium heat until butter is melted.  Stir in orange juice & bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla and baking soda.  Pour over the popcorn mixture and stir to coat well.  Pour onto a cookie sheet and bake at 275 for 30 minutes, stirring twice.