Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is one of my favorite snacks. I can eat my way through more than I should in one sitting. Because of this, I rarely make it at home. I whipped up this Peanut Butter Caramel Corn for hanging out with some friends a couple weeks ago. Everyone really enjoyed it.

I used Peanut Butter and Co’s White Chocolate Wonderful peanut butter. I think it has a hint of caramel flavor in it and figured it would pair well with the caramel. I think this would be delicious with regular old peanut butter, but I really enjoyed the flavor using the white chocolate PB.

Two Years Ago: M&M Cookies
Three Years Ago: Vegan Chocolate Banana Caramel Cupcakes

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Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Caramel corn kicked up a notch with peanut butter thrown into the mix.

Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover. Cook, shaking the pan frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until the popping almost completely stops. Remove the pan from the heat and when the popping stops, remove the cover and add the almonds.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla. Drizzle over the popcorn and use a rubber spatula to toss to coat.

Spread the popcorn on the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

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13 Responses to “Christmas in July – Homemade Vanilla Extract”

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    1
    SimplySweeter — July 26, 2010 at 12:22 pm
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    How To Be Perfect — July 26, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Fantastic idea, I will have to give this a go x

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    Kristen — July 26, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    What a great idea! Now I just have to think of what to pair this with to give as gifts.

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    The Cooking Photographer — July 26, 2010 at 6:00 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Great minds think alike!! I have been brewing vanilla extract for months for Christmas gifts.

    I thought I’d answer your question here. I love your idea for frosting. It would be heavenly!

    Laura

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    Jenni @ Project Cookie 365 — July 27, 2010 at 2:20 am

    What? You can just add more vodka to your supply? I had no idea! I just used the last of my homemade vanilla, and it was soooo deliciously dark 🙂 Now that I know that, I’ll have to remember when I make my next batch! Do you have a favourite type of bean? I used Tahitian the last time, and it didn’t have that “normal” vanilla scent to it… I’ll have to find which beans give that traditional scent (though, really… any vanilla works for me!)

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    Calm In The Kitchen — July 28, 2010 at 1:41 am

    This is definitely on my gift giving list.
    I received homemade vanilla once and it is still one of my favorite gifts.

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    Debbi Does Dinner Healthy — July 28, 2010 at 2:18 am

    I have always wanted to try this!! My brother did it once but that was before I was into cooking and I totally didn’t appreciate it. I would now! Thanks!

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    bcallegra — July 28, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    I think it’s the perfect idea for a gift and never even thought of making it myself. Of course, if I do end up making it, I’ll probably just end up using it all before I give it away! 🙂

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    jmanley — July 28, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    how many beans did you put in the vodka bottles to start?.. love the idea.. Thanks

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    Jen — July 28, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    jmanley – I put 24 beans in each bottle of vodka. They were the big bottles of vodka. As you can see in the pictures, I used skyy, which is great, but I couldn’t watch the color of my vanilla change! Definitely try to get clear bottles or pour the vodka into a clear jar so you can tell when it’s ready.

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    jmanley — July 29, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    thanks for the quick response.
    Love your website:)

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    KV — August 5, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    what type of vanilla bean did you use – does it matter?

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    Jen — August 5, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    KV – The type of bean you use will have an impact on the flavor. I used Bourbon-Madagascar beans for my vanilla.

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