Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• STEP 2.In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
• STEP 3.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• STEP 4.Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up.
• STEP 5.Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in a large bowl and toss until the popcorn is evenly coated.
• STEP 6.Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• STEP 7.Remove from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely before serving.
• STEP 8.Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to stir the caramel sauce constantly while it's simmering to prevent it from burning.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• For an extra crunch, you can add some roasted peanuts or almonds to the popcorn.

Storage and Serving

• Serve the Sweet and Spicy Popcorn as a snack or appetizer.
• You can also package it in individual bags or containers for a homemade gift.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
• If the popcorn loses its crispness, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.