Ginger Popcorn

This may seem like a very lame post (because it's just a variation on an old post, cinnamon popcorn). But I've been dreaming about making a ginger version for a long time now (that and world peace). Making ginger popcorn seemed much easier.

GINGER POPCORN

Yield: 6 quarts

3/4 cup popcorn kernels

3 tablespoons coconut oil or canola oil (needed only if popping corn in a pot)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups brown rice syrup (can substitute light corn syrup)

1 cup maple crystals (can substitute light brown sugar)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger

1.       Preheat oven to 250˚ F.  Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

2.       Pop the popcorn in a hot air popper.  Alternately, heat popcorn and oil in a covered heavy large pot over medium-high heat until kernels begin to pop. Shake pot until popping stops.

3.       Put the popped corn in a gigantic bowl (the biggest one you’ve got).

4.       Combine butter, brown rice syrup, maple sugar and salt in a medium* saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to blend.  Boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally (or until candy thermometer reaches 250˚ F.).  *Do not use a small saucepan (the mixture will bubble up when you add the baking soda in step 5).

5.       Remove from heat; stir in baking soda, vanilla extract and ginger.  Immediately pour the ginger syrup over the popcorn and stir to coat (don't worry if the popcorn isn’t 100% coated). 

6.       Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheets.  Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

7.       Place a large piece of parchment paper or waxed paper on the counter.  Spread the warm popcorn out on the paper and separate the clumps into smaller pieces.  Allow to cool completely; store in airtight containers or ziploc bags.

grating the ginger

boiling the syrup

adding grated ginger

pouring the ginger syrup into the popcorn

mixing in the syrup

before baking

after baking

What's tonight's movie? (Please don't say Snakes on a Plane.)

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