2012_05_04-CrackerJacks-1.jpgI mentioned last week that I was on a mission to create the ultimate party "snack bar," featuring homemade versions of store bought classics. Of course homemade Cracker Jack was at the tippy top of that list. After learning how easy the recipe is, now I'm cursing myself for not making it sooner!

2012_05_04-CrackerJacks-2.jpgThe recipe for Cracker Jack is similar to caramel corn but with the addition of molasses and Spanish red peanuts. To make it, all you have to do is whip up the simplest caramel sauce (butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and molasses) and pour it over plain popcorn and nuts. Toss, bake, then snack to your heart's content. The only thing missing is the prize!

While homemade Cracker Jack may fit into my "snack bar" theme perfectly, I have a sneaking suspicion it will somehow find its way into plenty of other party menus. It's perfect for snacking during family movie night, hauling to a kids' little league game or baseball themed birthday, and even for giving as a hostess or holiday gift. Packaged in cute striped boxes or newspaper cones?! Oh my, the possibilities are endless...

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Homemade Cracker Jacks
Recipe adapted from DamGoodSweet and Southern Living
Serves 10 - 12

16 cups freshly-popped popcorn*
2 cups roasted, lightly salted peanuts (Spanish or regular)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Sea salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 250°. Toss the popcorn and peanuts together in a large mixing bowl (or divide into 2 bowls).

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, and salt. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reads 250°F on a candy thermometer, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Working quickly, pour hot caramel over the popcorn and gently toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. (I found it was easiest to toss with my hands once the caramel cooled a little bit.)

Divide the popcorn mixture in half between 2 greased baking sheets, spreading into a thin, even layer. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, for 50 minutes. Sprinkle Cracker Jack with a little sea salt and allow to cool in pans for 20 minutes. Separate the popcorn into individual pieces with your hands before serving. This is best eaten the day it's made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

*I used 3 (3.5 ounce) bags natural, lightly salted microwave popcorn

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Related: Recipe: Homemade Nutty Bars

(Images: Nealey Dozier)