Cognac Caramel Popcorn To Give Your Favourite Snack A Boozy Makeover
Do you love eating popcorn but are tired of the same old boring flavours? Do you fancy yourself a snack connoisseur but are struggling to find a recipe that showcases your prowess?
If your answer to both those questions was yes, then you’re in the right place!
We’re about to upgrade your snack game. Say goodbye to boring old popcorn and hello to Cognac Caramel Popcorn.
It’s the snack that says, “I have refined tastes, but I still love to munch.” It’s a snack so decadent, it's begging you to roll out the red carpet.
A Dash of Sass in Every Bite
Caramel popcorn is the childhood favourite we never outgrew. Now, throw in a splash of cognac, and it’s like your snack went to finishing school and graduated with distinction.
This combo of rich, buttery caramel and smooth, oaky cognac is a match made in snack heaven. Perfect for impressing guests or just rewarding yourself because you’re an adult and you deserve a treat.
From Ancient Grains to Gourmet Gains
Popcorn's been around since the ancient civilisations of the Americas, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that caramel popcorn made its debut, thanks to the genius behind Cracker Jack.
Fast forward to the present and we’re adding a modern twist by infusing it with alcohol. Cognac, the classy French brandy, adds a touch of sophistication, making it the ultimate grown-up snack.
The Recipe for Decadence
Start by preheating your oven to 120°C (250°F) and spreading about 1/2 cup of kernels on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 60 ml of light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook this over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 45 ml of cognac.
Pour this golden, boozy caramel over your popcorn, tossing gently to coat all the kernels. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coverage. Once done, let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters for max munching.
Pro Tips
Pop your popcorn right using fresh kernels and a good quality air popper or the stovetop method for the fluffiest popcorn (we’re talking cotton candy clouds category).
No one wants sad, burnt popcorn in their gourmet mix. Make sure to toss the popcorn well when adding the caramel; every kernel deserves its share of that boozy goodness (don’t be stingy).
Store your Cognac Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy (although we’re sure it won’t be left untouched long enough for it to spoil).
