Spicy caramel popcorn with peanut M&M’s recipe

This recipe for spicy caramel popcorn is one of my favourites from my cookbook sweet and turns ordinary popcorn into something special, worthy of a party and worthy of Halloween. Peanut M&M’s take it to another delicious level.

I never grew up with this holiday and to be honest, I have never even been to a Halloween party, but caramel and corn and sweets and candy are what I imagine should be key elements at once. The spice is mild enough to give it an exciting flavour edge, but still suitable for children.

I didn’t think it could be improved upon it until I added nutty M&M’s to the mix. They just really work with these crunchy caramel clusters to make a sweet snack bowl of happiness. You will love this I promise.

You could add more paprika, chilli or cayenne if you want to take the heat up a notch. I use coconut oil when making popcorn – it is a little healthier and gives the popcorn a lovely flavour – but a neutral oil such as sunflower works equally well.

I love the new limited-edition peanut & hazelnut M&M’s which have just launched in South Africa, but peanut M&M’s work just as well.

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Recipe – spicy caramel popcorn with M&M’s

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:20

Ingredients

150 g corn kernels
15 ml coconut oil or any other neutral oil
5 ml ground cumin
5 ml ground cinnamon
3 ml paprika
5 ml salt
3 ml bicarbonate of soda
325 g butter
300 g granulated white sugar
30 ml golden syrup
5 ml vanilla extract
1 cup or a 128 bag of Limited edition peanut & hazelnut M&M’s

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 120 °C. Line a baking tray with silicone or baking paper.
Make the popcorn any way that you prefer. (I like to use a large skillet with a glass lid.) Transfer the popcorn to a large, deep bowl; it should only half fill the bowl, allowing space to toss the sauce.
Mix all the spices and bicarbonate of soda together.
In a medium-sized, heavy-based pot bring the butter, sugar, and syrup to a boil. Continue to let it bubble, stirring continuously, until the mixture turns golden-brown and reaches the hard crack stage of 155 °C.
Add the vanilla extract and spice mix and stir vigorously for a few seconds, then remove from the heat. Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and toss to coat.
Spread the caramel-covered popcorn evenly on the prepared baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and toss to ensure it’s evenly coated. Return it to the oven for a further 15 minutes, then remove, toss again and leave to cool.
Once cool, break it up and serve in a bowl with the M&M’s. Store in an airtight container to preserve.