Easy Homemade Caramel Corn

It doesn’t feel like fall until I’ve eaten ______. How would you fill in the blank? For me, it’s caramel apples, pumpkin everything, a steaming mug of chai tea, and sweet-spicy-crunchy caramel corn. I think it reminds me of the fall carnivals we used to have at school growing up, where everyone dressed up and there was a pumpkin carving competition. They always handed out little paper bags filled with caramel corn, and I would eat so much that I’d get a stomach ache. It’s one of those foods that I think grown-ups love as much as kids, and I only recently discovered that it’s actually really easy to make at home!

I like being able to control how much butter and sugar goes into this — I added a little less than most recipes call for, and the result was just as crunchy and delicious while being at least a little healthier. By the way, did you know that popcorn is full of whole grains, fiber, and antioxidants? Of course we’re pouring on a little more decadence with this recipe, but it still beats a bag of chips or other processed sweets. Customize these with your spice or nut of choice: cinnamon or chili powder, and feel free to toss in walnuts, pistachios, or almonds — whatever you have on hand.

I’ll be packing up mason jars of this caramel corn as a gift to bring with me to upcoming fall and holiday parties. Just tie on a tag and you’ve got yourself the ultimate autumn hostess gift that everyone will love.

*photos by Molly Winters