Contributed by Joann Gadway, Gadway's Sugar House, Norwood, NY
Popcorn and nuts mortared together with sugary chunks of maple-caramel brittle - the ultimate snack for family gatherings in front of the home movie screen. Great for Halloween treats too!
3 tablespoons corn oil
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
1 cup roasted salted peanuts or mixture of peanuts and pecans
1 cup Pure New York State Maple Syrup
1 cup Pure New York State Maple Sugar
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons butter
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until one kernel placed in oil pops. Add popcorn kernels, cover skillet and heat, shaking pan, until all kernels are popped. Place popcorn in a large buttered roasting pan, add nuts, and toss.
Preheat oven to 200º F.
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, bring maple syrup, sugar, and vinegar to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook, without stirring, washing any crystals down sides of pan with a brush dipped in cold water, until a bit of syrup dropped into cold water forms a long thread, or cook to 240º on a candy thermometer. Stir in butter until melted.
Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and mix gently. Bake for 1 hour. Cool and break apart into chunks.
Makes about 7 cups