You know what is weird? I didn’t like kettle corn until I moved down here to the south. It’s not a southern staple, from what I know. According to Wikipedia (you know, the online encyclopedia that is oh-so-unreliable) it originated in the north. But, even though I grew up in the north, I never had it. I tried it during our first years of marriage — didn’t like it.
It took a trip to the farmers’ market a few months ago to convert me. I’m not sure why I didn’t like it the first time I tried it, but this time I couldn’t get enough. So, I started making it at home.
Taking a combination of Joy the Baker’s recipe and methods from AllRecipes.com, I came up with what works for me in my kitchen for this tricky little easy-to-burn snack. The technique here is to shake the pan while the kernels are popping…seriously, shake it like a Polaroid, because otherwise you’ll end up with burnt sugar. And, no one likes that.
If done right, you end up with sweet and salty crispy kettle corn. Plus, a new bad snacking habit.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup yellow popping kernels
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In a large deep sauce pan (at least 4 quart), heat the vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt over medium high heat. Add 3 popping kernels and place the lid on the sauce pan then listen for those 3 kernels to pop. Once they pop, pour in the rest of the kernels, sprinkle the sugar evenly over top and immediately replace the lid.
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Remove from the heat and vigorously shake the pan, keeping the lid tight, for 15-20 seconds. Return to the heat and once the kernels start popping, start shaking in 5 second intervals. (Heat on burner for 5 seconds, remove from heat and vigorously shake for 5 seconds, repeat.) Repeat this sequence until the popping is 1 to 2 seconds apart. (Allow the steam to vent during the intervals where the pan is on the burner. But, make sure to vent the lid away from you to avoid hot oil popping on you.)
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Remove from the heat and continue to shake with the lid on tightly for 5 more seconds. Carefully remove the lid, but still using it as a shield for any stray pops, pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to mix, and let cool for a few minutes before eating. (Be careful, the sugar kernels are hot!)
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Source: Adapted from Joy the Baker Cookbook and AllRecipes.com
Hah!! I seriously just made this for the first time tonight! My advice would be, do not underestimate the size of the pan you’ll need! That’s all I’m sayin’! 🙂
You know, I was never a huge fan of popcorn in general until a few years ago…I think kids changed that!
I can’t wait to give this recipe a try! I love kettle corn, but have never tried making it on my own. 🙂
We had kettle corn all the time in Ohio! And man, is it delicious!!
I can’t wait to try this, I love kettle corn! I think I made a version a year or so ago and despite shaking the pan like crazy wound up with burnt sugar. Yours looks perfect though!
I love kettle corn! And it’s so much better fresh like this than from the microwave! And I love your description of the workout it will take to shake it!:)
Could you make this in a movie theater popcorn machine?
Hi Courtney, I have never used a movie theater popcorn machine, so not sure. Maybe another reader can answer?
@Courtney,
I don’t think a theater machine would work. The vigorous shaking is really important here and you don’t get that at all with a machine.
Trying this tomorrow getting ready for my daughter’s popcorn birthday party! Thanks!!