Homemade Cracker Jack's
This recipe makes 13 cups of the iconic American snack. This crunchy treat is salty, sweet, and even better than the packaged version.
TOOLS:
Metal mixing bowl, wooden spoon, parchment paper, baking sheet, candy thermometer, sauce pan
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 cups salted popped popcorn
- ½ cup roasted, salted peanuts
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chopped into pieces
- 1 packed cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of molasses
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt plus another ½ teaspoon for sprinkling on top
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 250F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large heatproof bowl, mix the popcorn and the peanuts.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, molasses, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts.
- Attach candy thermometer to the pan and leave the mixture undisturbed until the temperature reaches 248F.
- Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda.
- Immediately pour it over the popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the parchment lined baking sheets, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes the popcorn feels dryer.
- Sprinkle additional salt.
- Allow the popcorn to cool completely.
- Serve immediately or within 3 days.