a peek inside the fishbowl

Are you doing anything big for this coming long weekend? I wish we were, but at the moment our plans are rather minimal. Regardless of what we end up doing, I will, however, take the opportunity to spend a bit of time in the kitchen and make some kind of treat for the family.

My MIL found this easy recipe for salty/sweet caramel corn online. We made it last weekend and I tell ya, it’s a keeper. I think I might have to make it again!

This combination of salt and sweet is The Best Thing Ever.*

Important question: would you add peanuts to this? I would, but I don’t think my kids would like it very much. (It’s worth mentioning that if you added peanuts to this recipe it would taste exactly like Cracker Jacks.)

I’d never made caramel corn before this, and frankly, I don’t understand why. I suppose, in my mind, it’s always seemed like a difficult thing to do. This batch banished that idea forevermore. It’s easy to make and the recipe doesn’t require a special trip to the grocery store. It is a surprisingly simple process, and I do love that magical transformation that happens when you put butter and sugar together. It’s alchemy! I should point out that even people who have a fear of scalding hot sugars (er, people like me) should rest reassured that this process is (a) totally manageable and (b) will result in your kids undying respect and admiration. (Ok, at least temporarily.)

* I realize I have a thing for this kind of flavour combo. Are you the same? If so, you might want to have a peek at these recipes:

• “Skor” bars (They’re made out of CRACKERS. It’s downright crazy.)
• The butter tart squares don’t require the usual pastry work and are very good.
• This maple taffy is amazing, and it only requires one ingredient: maple syrup. It’s the perfect edible kitchen project for your family day weekend!