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Classic Popcorn and Flavored Popcorn (Cheese and Caramel) Recipe

Popcorn is more than just a snack; it's a journey through history, a testament to human creativity, and a symbol of shared moments. Whether you're watching a film at the cinema, attending a carnival, or simply relaxing at home, popcorn has a way of bringing people together.
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Equipment

  • 1 large heavy bottom pan and lid

Ingredients
  

For The Popcorn Base

  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • dash salt to taste

For Classic Popcorn

  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

For Cheese Popcorn

  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional

For Caramel Popcorn

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare The Popcorn

  • 1.    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid,heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels to thepot.
  •    Cover the pot with the lid and wait for thetest kernels to pop. This will help you determine when the oil is hot enough.
  • Once the test kernels pop, remove them fromthe pot and add the remaining popcorn kernels.1/Cover the pot withthe lid and shake it gently to distribute the heat evenly.
  • Continue to cook, shaking the potoccasionally, until the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops.Remove the pot from heat.
  • Carefully open the lid, allowing any remainingsteam to escape. Be cautious of hot steam when removing the lid.

For Classic Popcorn

  • Drizzle melted butter over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt to taste.

For Cheese Popcorn

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
  • In another bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese (or cheese powder), paprika (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
  • Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to coat. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the buttered popcorn and toss again to evenly distribute the cheese.

For Caramel Popcorn

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. The mixture should turn a deep amber color.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
  • Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and use a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly.

Cool and Serve

  • For cheese and caramel popcorn, allow the coated popcorn to cool and harden on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Once the popcorn is cool and any coatings have set, break it into pieces and serve.
  • Serve your classic or flavored popcorn and enjoy the delicious and versatile snack!