Movie Night Treat

What’s better than Saturday movie or game night at home with gluten free salted caramel corn, red wine and Cape Fear (1962) on Turner Classic Movies.

Pop half cup of popcorn kernels (makes 3 quarts of popcorn) in a hot air popper and pour into a very large metal bowl or pot, discarding any un-popped kernels and place in preheated 250F oven to keep warm. Alternatively, use microwave popcorn if that’s what you have to hand.

Melt half cup unsalted butter in medium saucepan. Stir in 1 cup dark brown sugar, quarter cup maple syrup and 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in quarter tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mixture will boil rapidly then subside.

Spray 2 rubber spatulas with cooking spray. Remove popcorn from oven and immediately pour hot caramel over warm popcorn, lightly stirring until evenly coated. Turn out popcorn into a large roasting tin lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Bake at 250F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a metal rack to room temperature. Break apart, eat or store in an air tight container. I even sneak it into the cinema! For a spicy-savoury note, add half tsp cayenne or chilli powder to the caramel in place of salt and stir in chopped bacon after removing from the oven. Now… turn down the lights, draw the drapes, cuddle up in your favourite spot by the telly and… hold on, who forgot the drinks?! Serves 6

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