FOOD NEWS
Getting Pre-Popped Kernels For Homemade Caramel Corn Is A Big Mistake
By Crystal Antonace
If you plan on transforming a simple bag or bowl of popcorn into a more developed snack like classic caramel corn, consider popping your own kernels over the stove.
Given that hand-crafted caramel corn is made by adding a bunch of hot, homemade caramel to a bowl of popcorn, you want your popcorn to be as fresh as possible.
Freshly popped popcorn is more likely to absorb those heavy ingredients without breaking down. Aside from its superior freshness and structure, stovetop popcorn also tastes better.
Popcorn made directly over the stove typically calls for an adequate pour of your favorite cooking oil, making it a healthier choice with a complex flavor and sturdier consistency.
You can use air-popped popcorn, but it tends to be more fragile and delicate, making it less likely to hold its shape when mixed with caramel and extra ingredients.
Since caramel corn is your end goal, use mushroom kernels, as they have a rounder shape with a textured exterior that makes this type of popcorn ideal for sticky toppings.