This is a super easy, super yummy, super caramelly-delicious snack. I trialed a few new recipes the other day after I got a mean craving for gourmet popcorn. Some came up great, some not so great (in fact Chocolate Adobo Chili got tossed into special file 7-- the 'or we could just order pizza' file.) In any case, Caramel Chipotle was the best trial by far. For your snacking pleasure:
NOTES: I doubled this recipe and it works fine. Also, make sure and buy good quality CHIPOTLE chili powder, not just any chili powder. I tried Adobo and it doesn't work as well.
6 cups of air popped popcorn (air popped really is best here, I've tried it with microwave, it doesn't work as well)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter
1/4 corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp (and to taste) of Chipotle Chili powder
Pop popcorn and set aside in a 300 degree oven to keep warm while you cook the caramel. Bring the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup to a boil over medium high heat and boil for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the salt, baking soda and chili powder. Toss in the pan with the popcorn. Spoons work okay, but I really find that your hands work much better, and wont crush the popcorn. BE CAREFUL! I have no nerves left in my fingertips from working in coffee for so long, but this is hot sugar and WILL BURN! I recommend that you wear plastic gloves!! Bake in a 300 degree oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven, break into pieces and let cook on buttered tin foil or wax paper. ENJOY!
