Go Back
Cracker Jack Home Recipe
Print Pin Recipe

Adult Cracker Jack - Tequila-Spiked Caramel Corn

From Food and Wine Feb 2010 - Recipe by Taria Camerino - Atlanta pastry chef
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Kid Favorite, Party Recipe, Snack
Keyword: Grocery and Supermarket Recipes

Ingredients

  • 16 cups air-popped Popcorn
  • 1/2 cup salted roasted Peanuts
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter
  • 3 tablespoons Agave Nectar see Note 1
  • 2 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Tequila see Notes 2 & 3

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 250F° and position racks in the upper and middle thirds.
  • Toss the popcorn with the roasted peanuts in a large heatproof bowl.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar with the butter, agave nectar, corn syrup and salt and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Boil over moderate heat for 4 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Using a long spoon, stir in the baking soda and tequila; the syrup will foam. (See Note 4)
  • Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and peanuts and, using 2 spoons, toss to coat thoroughly.
  • Spread the popcorn on 2 nonstick baking sheets and bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally and switching the sheets halfway through, until golden and nearly dry.
  • Turn off the oven, open the oven door completely and let the popcorn cool completely before serving.
The caramel corn can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  1. Agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a liquid sweetener made from the agave plant. Look for it in health-food stores or almost any big grocery.
  2. Alcohol "cooks off" when heated. So this recipe is safe for children and those who don't drink. The kids at the party I took it to loved it.
  3. There is very little tequila taste to the corn. I love tequila and this is one of the things I was a bit disappointed in. I think you could safely leave it out -- BUT I have NOT tried it without and cannot say for sure.
  4. It will foam A LOT. Be prepared. I wasn't and made a bit of a mess. ;)

Follow Us to Get ALL of Our Latest Recipes

.