Ang Sarap (A Tagalog word for "It's Delicious")

Nuts and Pops

One week ago me and my daughter made one of my favourite childhood snack which is mixed Popcorn and Nuts coated with Caramel, I am not sure if it is commercially available here in New Zealand that’s why we made our own so that I can let my daughter try it. In the Philippines we can easily buy this in supermarkets and it is called “Nuts and Pops” but I guess they are not selling it now as the Goldilocks’  version became really popular but the one they sell does not have nuts on it. Now if you are tired of having that butter or salted popcorn you should definitely try this one out.

Before we go on to the recipe I will give you some information about this loved snack. Popcorn was first discovered by Native Americans in North America long time ago circa 3600 B.C., it was later on learned by the English who settled in America in the 16th century, since then it was commercialized and it was so successful because they are really cheap compared to other food items that is why while other food business failed the popcorn industry thrived.

Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup popping corn
125g butter, chopped
1 cup white sugar
1 cup roasted peanuts
1/2 tsp salt

Method

1. In a deep heavy pot heat oil add a piece of popping corn when you think it’s hot (don’t let the oil smoke), when it pops it means that you can now start pouring all of the popping corns. Pour all of the popping corn and cover, once you hear the popping sound move the pot briskly on the stove top so that the corn kernels that haven’t popped yet settles to the bottom. Once the popping stopped open the lid and pour popcorn on a separate container immediately.
2. Using the same pot add the butter, salt and sugar, melt mixture in low heat until it becomes caramel in consistency. Please note sugar will initially crystalize and it will be in that state for a bit longer than you expected, be patient, don’t turn the heat higher and keep an eye on it as it will melt instantly, and once it melts give it 10 more seconds and you should turn of the heat immediately otherwise it will burn the sugar.
3. Now add the popcorn and peanuts, mix well until popcorn is evenly coated.
4. While still hot, place coated popcorn in a flat surface, prevent them from forming into large chunks and let it cool.