Looking to add a touch of nostalgia and sweetness to your day? Our Cracker Jack recipe will bring a delightful combination of crunchy popcorn, caramel sweetness, and nutty goodness right into your home. These homemade Cracker Jack snacks are perfect for a cozy movie night, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
**Cracker Jack**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 cups of popped popcorn
– 1 cup of roasted peanuts
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup of light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Popcorn:**
– Pop 6 cups of popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, adding the roasted peanuts. Set aside.
2. **Make Caramel Coating:**
– In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
– Let it boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. The mixture should reach a temperature of around 260°F (use a candy thermometer if available).
3. **Add Flavor and Texture:**
– Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until well combined.
4. **Coat Popcorn and Peanuts:**
– Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and peanuts in the mixing bowl.
– Gently toss the popcorn and peanuts until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
5. **Bake and Cool:**
– Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated popcorn and peanuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
6. **Cool and Break Apart:**
– Once out of the oven, let the Cracker Jack cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools.
– Once cooled, break apart the Cracker Jack into small clusters and enjoy the crunchy, caramel goodness!
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve your homemade Cracker Jack in a bowl or portions to share with family and friends. They make perfect snacks for movie nights, parties, or as a special treat for yourself.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of caramel sweetness, crunchy popcorn, and nutty flavor with this easy-to-make Cracker Jack recipe. Whether you enjoy it at home or bring it to your next gathering, these homemade treats will surely be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite movie, and savor every bite of this classic snack!
