It is maple syrup season here in New Hampshire, and we have maple sugar shacks practically around every bend. Some fancy, some not so fancy, but the outcome is still delicious maple syrup. Come with me to one of my favorite sugar shacks, and let’s make some scrumptious maple popcorn. It is by far one of my favorite treats.
Note: It is easier to make this recipe if you have a candy thermometer!
Ingredients:
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup vegan margarine (earth balance)
1 teaspoon vanilla
a pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a medium size pot add all of the ingredients. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot making sure that the bottom of the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pot! Bring the mixture to a light boil. Cook until the mixture has reached the hard ball stage (250-260 degrees F). If you do not have a candy thermometer you can put a drop of the mixture into ice water until it forms a soft ball… then it is ready.
Caution: This mixture is very hot. Proceed with caution. Work quickly.
Pour over the popcorn and stir quickly (it helps to have one person pour and the other stir), spread on a silicone baking mat in a rimmed baking tray, and bake at 275F until the popcorn is crispy (about 45-60 min), stirring every once in a while! Keep an eye on the popcorn, as you do not want it to burn. Enjoy!
Heidi Tompkins
We Love Ben’s Sugar Shack!
It’s our Favorite Maple Syrup!!!
Great Video Chef Ani, I’ll have to try this recipe…
Ani
Thank you so much, Heidi! Yes, Ben’s Sugar Shack makes great maple syrup! ? Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Naif Saad
Thank you, I really love it I think am gonna be addicted with this.
Frome Saudi Arabia ?
Ani
Thank you so much! I am happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Mariana
Thank you Chef Ani, we live in Utah and we love your recipe!!
Ani
Aww… Thank you so much for your kind encouragement and support!
Chef Ani
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support! It means so much to me! I hear Utah is beautiful.
Mariana
I didn’t see you reply until today, because am making popcorn again. Utah is beautiful, lots of mountains and outdoor activities. You and your family should plan a visit to the national parks. The best times are between April and June, October and November.
Chef Ani
Sounds amazing! We will have to plan a visit:)
Thomas
Hello Chef Ani!
I tried out this recipe yesterday with my friends and used strawberry jam instead of maple syrup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6yngKqY_cA
Thank you so much again for the recipe and the video.
Thomas Frick
Chef Ani
Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Thomas! I will definitely have to try this recipe with strawberry jam!
Tiffany
Hello Chef Ani,
Am I able to use regular butter instead of plant-based margarine?
Chef Ani
I am sure that will work fine. Thank you so much for your comment.
Chantal Bedard
L’étape du four a gâché mon pop corn. Il a brûlé en moins de 10 minutes malgré la feuille de cuisson
Chef Ani
I am so sorry to hear that. Strange, could be that the oven temperature was too hot.