Emerald Isle Popcorn Delight
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this festive Emerald Isle Popcorn Delight! This vibrant green candied popcorn combines the sweetness of sugars with a buttery richness, making it an irresistible treat for any gathering. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a whimsical snack, this recipe takes classic popcorn to an extraordinary level. The delightful crunch and colorful appearance will bring smiles to all ages, making it a holiday favorite brought to you by Karen Weber from Salem, Missouri. Get ready to indulge in a charmingly sweet and subtly salty snack that embodies the spirit of the Emerald Isle!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
popped popcorn
4 quarts (freshly popped)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
water
1/2 cup (cold)
light corn syrup
1/2 cup (none)
white vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
green food coloring
8-10 drops (liquid)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the popped popcorn in a large roasting pan and keep it warm in the oven while you prepare the candy mixture.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, cold water, light corn syrup, white vinegar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
3
Over medium heat, cook the mixture while stirring constantly until it comes to a gentle boil.
4
Continue cooking and stir occasionally until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage on a candy thermometer (250°F or 120°C). This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5
Once the desired temperature is reached, promptly remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until it has completely melted, then add the green food coloring and mix until thoroughly combined.
6
Drizzle the candy coating over the warm popcorn in the roasting pan. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss and stir the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the candy mixture.
7
Spread the coated popcorn evenly across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
8
Once cooled, break the popcorn into bite-sized pieces. Store the delightful Emerald Isle Popcorn Delight in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerald Isle Popcorn Delight?
It is a festive, vibrant green candied popcorn snack that combines sweetness with buttery richness, perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe was created by Karen Weber from Salem, Missouri.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this snack?
This snack offers a charmingly sweet and subtly salty flavor with a delightful crunch.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
What amount of popcorn is required?
You will need 4 quarts of freshly popped popcorn.
Why should the popcorn be kept in the oven?
The popped popcorn is kept in a warm oven to ensure it remains at an optimal temperature for even coating with the candy mixture.
What types of sugar are used in the candy coating?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Does this recipe require corn syrup?
Yes, it requires 1/2 cup of light corn syrup.
What is the purpose of adding white vinegar?
One teaspoon of white vinegar is included in the mixture to help achieve the specific candy texture.
How much salt is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
How many drops of food coloring are recommended?
It is recommended to use 8 to 10 drops of liquid green food coloring.
What is the target stage for the candy mixture on a thermometer?
The mixture should reach the 'hard ball stage,' which is 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to reach the hard ball stage?
It typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes of cooking over medium heat.
Should I stir the mixture while it boils?
You should stir constantly until it reaches a boil, and then stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.
When should the butter be added to the mixture?
The butter should be stirred in immediately after the saucepan is removed from the heat.
When is the green food coloring added?
The green food coloring is added after the butter has completely melted into the syrup.
What is the best way to coat the popcorn?
Drizzle the candy coating over the warm popcorn in a roasting pan and gently toss it with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly coated.
What should I use to cool the popcorn on?
Spread the coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
How do I handle the popcorn after it has cooled?
Once it is fully cooled, break the popcorn into bite-sized pieces for serving.
How should I store Emerald Isle Popcorn Delight?
Store the popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What is the shelf life of this snack?
The popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is considered a kids-friendly recipe and makes a great party treat.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it accessible for home cooks.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Can I use cold water for the candy base?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of cold water.
What type of saucepan should be used?
A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for even heat distribution while cooking the candy.
Can this be served at movie nights?
Absolutely, it is a perfect whimsical snack for movie nights or any festive gathering.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include snack, popcorn, candied, green, St. Patrick's Day, and party treat.