Cajun Cracker Jack
Cajun Cracker Jack
Here's an interesting twist on a classic American snack. Make a large batch of these and take them with you to a ball game — they're perfect for when the munchies strike.
Click here to see 12 Ways to Spice Up Popcorn.
Servings
18
servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon red chile pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
- salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup cocoa nibs
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- cooking spray
Directions
- Combine the butter, red chile pepper flakes, and cayenne in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat the ΒΌ cup of the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Test with a kernel to see if the oil is hot enough; if it pops, add the remaining kernels and cover with a lid. Shake occasionally, and remove from the heat once the popping slows. Shake, wait a few seconds, and remove the lid. Toss the popcorn with chile butter and season with salt, to taste. Set aside in a large bowl.
- In a bowl, toss the pecans and almonds with the remaining oil and season with salt, to taste. Transfer to a baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly browned, for about 7-10 minutes. Distribute the nuts and cocoa nibs evenly over the popcorn.
- Combine the butter, water, corn syrup, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until melted together. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook to the hard crack stage.
- Then, remove from the heat and add the baking soda, making sure to sprinkle evenly over the top, stirring the baking soda quickly with the handle of a wooden spoon. (This will help avoid splashing and does not incorporate any air into the candy.)
- Pour over the popcorn mixture toss until well coated, making sure to break up the clumps. Lightly oil a baking sheet and transfer the popcorn mixture there. Let cool.