We’ve been having a lot of fun this month with the #SocialCircus. And, when talking all-things “circus”, you can’t help but think of fun foods! Earlier this month I shared some fun circus animal cookie cupcakes. And, today, we’ve got a classic carnival/circus food: popcorn!! Yum! Most carnivals & circus venues have the traditional buttery, salty popped corn. But, some take it even further with delicious sweet & salty caramel corn and that’s exactly the recipe I’ve got for you today! 
Too bad the smell can’t come through the screen! Mmmmmmm…homemade popcorn goodness! The recipe actually comes from a good friend of mine who has made it for numerous events. It’s actually rather easy (albeit a little time consuming). And, it tastes great! Serve it up in a big bowl. Or, for a fun circus/carnival feel, serve it in individual popcorn boxes! 
Here’s the recipe:
Delicious Homemade Caramel Corn
Ingredients
- 3 bags butter-flavored microwave popcorn about 10-12 cups popped
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 C brown sugar
- ½ C corn syrup
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- *peanuts optional
- *salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200º. Line 2 cookie sheets with foil, lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pop 3 bags of microwave popcorn. Dump popped popcorn into a large bowl, try to remove any unpopped kernels. Add salt & peanuts if desired.
- In a pan on the stove, bring brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid any burning. The color will start to lighten and the mixture with start getting almost a little frothy. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
- Carefully pour the mixture over the popcorn & stir, making sure that everything is well-coated.
- Spread the coated popcorn on the 2 foil-lined cookie sheets. Place in oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool and serve.
- Store in airtight container or ziplock baggie.
Notes
If you're using plain popcorn (instead of butter-flavored microwave popcorn), you may want to consider adding a little butter flavoring or some extra salt.
It’s a great treat, especially perfect for circus or carnival themed parties. You could even wrap each little popcorn box up with some cellophane wrap to make them cute favors or gifts!
What is YOUR favorite circus/carnival food?
