It is best to prep your ingredients before starting the recipe. I like to take my bag sealer and cut squares in waxed paper. I seal 3 edges and then put a small toy or sticker in it. I then seal up the last edge. I make little bags of cracker jacks and then put the toy surprise in it. The kids and adults love it.
MOCK CRACKER JACKS
(makes about cups)
Ingredients:
*2j tablespoons vegetable oil (for popping popcorn)
*1/2 cup popcorn kernels (I actually make it just a little under a 1/2 cup)
*1 1/2 cups salted spanish peanuts
*1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces (for easier melting)
*1 cup brown sugar, packed
*1/4 cup light corn syrup
*1/4 cup molasses
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
~Pop the popcorn in the vegetable oil until done.
~Remove any kernels that haven’t popped.
~Place popped corn and Spanish peanuts into a large bowl.
~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
~Spray 2 large cookie sheets with cooking spray or lightly grease.
~In a small saucepan, stir in butter, browns sugar, molasses, corn syrup and salt over medium heat until the butter melts.
~Add a candy thermometer if you have one.
~Allow mixture to cook (without stirring) until it reaches 248 degrees (or about 3 -5 minutes once it starts to boil).
~Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.
~Pour it immediately over the popcorn and Spanish peanuts stirring until well coated.
~Transfer unto prepared pans.
~Bake for 30 minutes, stirring half way through.
~Remove from oven and allow to cool completely (it will crisp up as it cools).
