How to Make Your Own Kettle Corn!

My family is a huge fan of Kettle Corn and at most community events we can usually find someone selling it for $2-$5 for a small bag. This yummy stuff is super easy to make and I refuse to pay for it any more! Eating my favorite popcorn and saving some money is a great reward for this lady! If you have not tried to make your own, you should give this a try!

What You Need:

• Popcorn Kernels
• Oil (any kind- I use olive oil)
• Sugar
• Salt
• Large Bowl
• Popcorn Popper (preferably one that can stir)
• Large Spoon

Directions:

There are 2 different variations. If you do not have a popcorn popper that mixes (see picture below) than the first variation is for you. It is still good, just not as good as variation 2! =)

Here are a couple examples of poppers that stir. I have the one on the left. I know I have seen a couple others, but could not find pictures of the others,

**Variation 1**

Step 1: Pop the popcorn and place it into a large bowl.

Step 2: Sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste.

We made it this first way for quite sometime until I realized I had all the tools I needed to make it the way you find it at fairs and carnivals.

Here is the super yummy way...

**Variation 2**

This variation is a 2 to 1 ratio popcorn to sugar. I like to make smaller batches because it seems the sugar gets spread out more evenly. Have an oven mitt handy.

Step 1: Have sugar and popcorn kernels measured and a bowl set out ready before starting.

Step 2: Pour oil into pot and heat on medium high heat (4 Tablespoons-ish depending for 1/2 cup popcorn kernels.

Step 3: Add popcorn kernels. When the first kernel pops add the sugar. I usually add a little bit more sugar than called for. Quickly shake the pan to help spread the sugar around.

Step 4: The popcorn will stop popping for about 30 seconds. Once the popping begins again, quickly stir  the popcorn until you do not hear any popping for 3 seconds. 

Step 5: Pour the popcorn into the large bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. There will be a glaze covering the popcorn and it will be really hot for a few minutes. I learned this the hard way!

Step 6: Once the popcorn is cool use the spoon (or your hands) to break it apart. Sprinkle salt to taste over the popcorn while mixing.

Step 7: Eat and Enjoy or bag it up and take it with you!

**Warning: This is a very fast and hot food  project. Once the sugar is added to the oil, it may splash out. Keep any helpers at a safe distance. Little helpers can help measure at the beginning and help with the salt at the end.