One of my favorite, decadent foods is caramel corn. I found this recipe which I think will be perfect for the Oscar party we are attending and even doubles as a hostess gift. I dare you to stop at just three bites!
Ingredients
3 qt (12 cups) freshly popped corn
1 cup roasted cashews
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup roasted almonds
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda
Directions
Preheat oven to 250F. Butter a large roasting pan, combine the popped corn, cashews, macadamia nuts and almonds in the pan. Spread the mixture out into an even layer. Place the pan in the oven to warm the ingredients while you make the caramel glaze. In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil stirring until the sugar dissolves. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring, remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Pour the hot glaze over the warm popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Return the pan to the oven and bake, stirring occasionally until the glaze is dry, about one hour. Using a metal spatula, free the popcorn mixture from the bottom of the pan. Let cool completely in the pan, then break into clumps and serve.
