Chipotle Carmel Popcorn...popcorn gone gourmet

Chipotle Carmel Popcorn...Popcorn gone Gourmet…a treat for sure!

In the last year I discovered chipotle. It is so delicious.

What is chipotle? It is a smoked and dried jalapeno pepper.

This recipe calls for Chipotle in Adobo Sauce.

The brand I use is called La Morena which can be found in your supermarket.

“Chipotles in adobo sauce is a condiment in which chipotles (smoked jalapeño peppers) are stewed in a sauce with tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, salt, and spices. The spices vary, but generally include several types of peppers (in addition to the Chipotle and most likely those on hand), ground cumin and dried oregano. Some recipes include orange juice and lemon or lime juices.
They often include a pinch of brown sugar just to offset any bitter taste.”
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobo

Since my discovery of chipotle, I am exploring different ways to incorporate it in my recipes.

So, here goes the recipe which I found on a blog called The Dog’s Breakfast.


Chipotle Carmel Popcorn
adapted from Fat by Jennifer McLagan

2/3 cup popcorn kernels (about 8 cups popped popcorn)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup
½ teaspoon sea salt or fleur de sel (table salt can be used)
1 ½ tablespoons puréed chipotle in adobe sauce (for less spice reduce amount)
½ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line baking sheet with parchment and set aside.

POP POPCORN:
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the oil.
Add one kernel of corn; once it has popped, add the rest of the kernels, cover the pan and shake it occasionally until popping has subsided.
Pour popped corn into a large bowl.

MAKE CARMEL:
In a sauce pan, add sugar, butter, corn syrup and sea salt over medium heat.

Stir until sugar melts and mixture comes to a boil and reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
Remove pan from heat and stir in baking soda and chipotle.

COMBINE CARMEL AND POPCORN & BAKE:
Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir well with a spatula.
* To ensure even coating easily, spread mixture over the entire popcorn surface. Do not pour carmel on top of the popcorn in one heaping mound. Why? The caramel starts hardening and the mixing process will take longer.

Bake for 35 minutes, stirring a few times.

Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.

*Please eat in moderation…keep in mind this is spicy…if not, you’ll get a tummy ache.



Here is another variation found on Serious Eats called Chipotle Caramel Popcorn Crunch which includes NUTS.

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As I was driving to the store one day, I came upon Bedens Brook Farm, located in New Jersey, which had horses visible from the road. I stopped, got out and took a few photos.

I went back to my car, and Bruce, who works at the farm, came to me and said that I could take more pictures of the horses if I wanted to. I was soooo happy! YiPpEe!

Bruce then spoke about and showed me the show horses,

Paparazzi and Spellbound.

Here is where Paparazzi and Spellbound reside. Their quarters are beautiful.

Paparazzi (black horse) is male and Spellbound (brown horse) is female.

Bruce mentioned that Spellbound is a high jumper. I would love to see these horses in action at a show!

Here is Bruce with Paparazzi and Spellbound. He is feeding them carrots.

~ PAPARAZZI ~

~ SPELLBOUND ~

Bruce and Spellbound...

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill



It was a wonderful experience photographing these horses. A special THANK YOU to Bruce for his hospitality in allowing me to photograph all the horses.


Peace in baking,

Carmen

Baking is my Zen…sweet nibbles for the soul