3-4 servings
20 minutes
25 minutes
Medium
While eggnog, cocoa, pies, and other dessert favorites may dominate your holiday gatherings, here’s a fresh idea for a sweet and savory snack: Celebration IPA caramel popcorn.
Someone might physically have to take this bowl away from you.
Ingredients
1 cup popping corn
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cups toasted nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds, peanuts)
1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, cherries)
Non-stick vegetable oil spray
1/4 cup Celebration IPA
1/4 cup water
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 stick unsalted butter
Step 1
In a large pot with a lid, add the vegetable oil and the corn. With the lid on the pot, cook over moderately high heat, shaking the pot continuously for about 8 minutes or until all of the kernels are popped. Pour the popped corn into a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine Celebration, water, sugar, salt and light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is dark amber, about 300°. *Careful—the beer will foam up as it cooks!*
Step 3
Remove saucepan from heat, add baking soda and butter and stir for about 30 seconds. *Caution: This will produce considerable steam.* Use a long whisk and avoid touching the top of the saucepan.
Step 4
Working quickly and carefully, pour the caramel sauce over the popped corn. Stir to coat the popped corn evenly. Add the nuts and fruit.
Step 5
Pour the final mixture onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil wrap that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable oil spray.
Step 6
Once the popcorn mixture cools and sets, serve in a bowl(s) and enjoy.
