Author Notes: This compulsively addictive crunchy treat is great to give away–since that’s basically the only way you’ll avoid eating the entire salty-spicy batch yourself in one sitting. Thank heaven its sweetness comes from maple syrup and not sugar–between that, the pecans and the cranberries, you’ll end up feeling less like a pusher!
—gluttonforlife
Serves: 1? 10?
Ingredients
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8
cups plain popcorn, popped
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1
cup pecans, toasted and chopped
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1
cup dried cranberries
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6
tablespoons salted butter (3/4 stick)
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1 1/2
cups maple syrup (preferably grade B)
-
1
teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
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1
teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- Toss popcorn, pecans and cranberries together in a large bowl.
- Line a large cookie sheet with foil and lightly oil.
- Melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add maple syrup, salt and cayenne and boil (still over medium heat), without stirring, until thermometer registers 280°F, about 20 minutes.
- Pour over popcorn and stir immediately with a silicone spatula to coat. Then quickly spread mixture on cookie sheet in a single layer (if possible). Cool completely and break into bite-size pieces.
- To give away, package in tins, wax paper bags or cellophane bags.