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You guys. This Pecan Praline Popcorn. O-M-Eat the whole bowl. It’s ah-maz-ing. It’s covered in bcaramel carmel and pecans and is oh-so-addictive.
I am so excited to share this post with you today. First, because I got a new camera lens. Whatcha think?
(Pssst….if you said “no difference” then you must be a man. No, I didn’t get my hair cut either. 😉 )
But really, I’m more excited about this recipe because it’s in my new favorite book: Party Popcorn, by my BFF Ashton Epps Swank from Something Swanky.
Two years ago, as Ashton I were knee deep in Online BlogCon during it’s first year, she messaged me on Facebook that she was writing a cookbook. I *may* have squealed out loud. If you’re a regular around here you’ll know that Ashton was my very first blog friend. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today without her support, friendship, and guidance. I’m so happy that her first book is now available!
And, guys. It’s FULL of popcorn recipes. 75 of them! From savory to sweet, from easy to decadent, she’s got you covered in this book. Every flavor you can think of is in there. Toffee, caramel, kettle, ranch, pizza, peanut butter, peppermint, eggnog….and on and on for infinity.
About a year ago, I found the popcorn jug that’s in these photos at my local Goodwill Store. I bought it knowing that one day I’d review Ashton’s book. And today is that day!
Okay, so let’s talk about this popcorn. I mean are there better words than “popcorn” and “pecan praline”? I don’t think so.
Believe it or not, I had my first praline – ever – when I was in Nashville last month. It was as big as my head almost and I ate so much of it it made me sick. But I could not stop! I came home, praline addicted.
And then I saw this recipe in Ashton’s book and it was like kismet all rolled into one: my new love, pralines, popcorn, and a dessert mashup, which I kinda sorta love. 🙂
This Pecan Praline Popcorn? Is thebombdotcom. Even if you’ve never made a praline mixture before, you can do it, easy peasy. No candy thermometer needed!
I ate way too much. And then I packaged the rest to send in Christmas boxes. #YoureWelcomeFamily
The praline mixture is made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. You let it boil for 4 minutes, then stir in some butter extract and baking soda and the magic happens. Add the pecans, toss with some popcorn, and bake until crunchy. I almost couldn’t wait until it cooled to eat it.
Don’t eat piping hot praline mixture. #PSA
This recipe calls for 8 cups of popped popcorn. Ashton talks all about the different ways to pop corn in the book, including a microwave-in-a-bag trick for homemade popcorn – fast. I used an air popper which is the easiest way to make homemade popcorn. Just dump in the kernels and let it do it’s thing.
If you only have microwave popcorn on hand, you can use that for this recipe, but I suggest getting the “natural” or “light” or “less butter” kind. That way the flavor of the buttered popcorn won’t interfere with the flavor of the pecan praline.
{Pssst….put an air popper on your Christmas list. They’re cheap and pay for themselves 10x over.}
This Pecan Praline Popcorn would make a great gift, a great movie night or game night treat, or it would make a Tuesday afternoon way better. I know it made mine happier, for sure. 🙂
Congrats Ashton, I’m so proud and happy for you. Now everyone else? Go get her book!
Pecan Praline Popcorn
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn see note
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon butter extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Stir together the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat. (Note: if you are using unsalted butter, you will want to add salt in step 4.) Stir until butter has melted and the mixture reaches a slow bubble. Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat immediately and stir in butter extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up a bit. Stir in salt, if using. Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the caramel-pecan mixture over the popcorn. Use a large rubber spatula to stir quickly but gently.
- Spread the popcorn evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, 10 for chewy and 15 for crunchy. Let cool in the pan about 10 minutes before serving. Chewy popcorn should be eaten the day of. Crunchy will last up to 1 week in an airtight container.
If you loved Pecan Praline Popcorn, you’ll love these popcorn varieties!
Sweets from friends:
Neapolitan Popcorn from Something Swanky
Easy Caramel Corn from Something Swanky
Salted Toffee Chocolate Popcorn from Something Swanky
I had everything in my pantry except the butter extract, so I like this as a last- minute treat. I used an air popper for my popcorn & my very first batch turned out delicious. I’ll be using this recipe often but have to give it away or I’ll put on 50 lbs. So good!
Amazing recipe, perfect for family movie night. Did not have butter extract, left it out. Thank you!
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