Perfect Kettle Corn

By Foodiewife

This recipe comes from "Joy the Baker's" cookbook-- which is quickly becoming one of my favorite cookbook investments. This is the first recipe that I made from her cookbook, and it won't be the last. I no longer need to spend several dollars, buying pre-made Kettle Corn from the grocery store. For pennies, I can make it hot and fresh-- with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's perfect for movie night at home!

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup yellow corn kernels
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (I will increase this to four Tablespoons, next time
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Heat 2 Tablespoons vegetable and 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. You want to use a pot with a tight fitting lid. One with a glass lid would be idea, but I'm fond of my non-stick Dutch oven. (Cleanup is a snap.)

Spread the corn kernels in an even layer, and then evenly spread 3 Tablespoons of white sugar over the popcorn kernels. NOTE: Next time, I might want to kick up the sugar by one extra Tablespoon.

Place the lid on the pot and turn up the heat to medium high. You want two pot holders, handy, because hot sugar can do some serious burning! Listen for the first "pop" and hold each side of the lid, securely to the pot, using the pot holders. Pick up the lidded pot, and shake-shake-shake, off the heat. Return to the heat about every 20 seconds or so, so the sugar doesn't get a chance to burn.

Listen for the sound of popping to cease, and turn off the heat and remove the kettle. Carefully remove the lid (away from you) to release steam and then sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Be careful, as the sugar is very hot. Turn with a wooden spoon, or silicone spatula.

Pour into a bowl and add about 1/2 teaspoon more of salt. Enjoy hot and fresh. Snuggle with your sweetie, and enjoy the movie at home! There you have it-- Kettle Corn, made at a fraction of what you pay for the commercially made bagged ones at the grocery store.