Does anyone else have loads of packets of kool-aid that are just sitting around not being used? Surely I'm not the only one! I often bring back 20 or so when we come from the States. Or people send them in packages. Or I inherit other peoples kool-aid they didn't use when they are leaving. I just don't make it much though--I don't want a drink with that much sugar. Or I don't want to make a red drink for kids that will inevitably get spilled and stain my sofas or carpet. My friend Tracey turned me on to kool-aid popcorn awhile back, though. She made some Pink Lemonade flavored for an "About to Pop" baby shower she had for me. I seriously love lemonade, so I naturally loved this popcorn! I went home and tried to make some--unsuccessfully. I tried using homemade corn syrup though and this is something that it didn't work in. It was really grainy. But with my recent cheap corn syrup find, I tried this again for some parties in our home this past week. Success! So maybe you, too, have some kool-aid just sitting around...
Kool-Aid Candied Popcorn
1/2 cup popcorn kernels, heaping
oil for popping
---
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1 package kool-aid, unsweetened
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pop corn on stovetop over high heat in a small amount of oil. Pour into a large bowl. In a small saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in packet of kool-aid and baking soda. Pour over popped corn and stir until coated. Pour out on a baking sheet that is lined with wax paper, parchment paper or a Silpat. Bake at 225F (110C) for 25-30 minutes. Stir about every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool, breaking pieces apart as its cooling and hardening.
*This picture is a mixed batch--one recipe of strawberry and one of lemonade--excellent combo!
Ideas-
- Choose team colors for a Bowl game party!
- Make colors for holiday parties--pink and red for Valentine's, green for St. Patrick's Day, red and green mix for Christmas, etc..
- Gifts for teachers or friends at holidays!
- Come up with fun flavor combos--like strawberry lemonade!
Kool-Aid Candied Popcorn
1/2 cup popcorn kernels, heaping
oil for popping
---
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1 package kool-aid, unsweetened
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pop corn on stovetop over high heat in a small amount of oil. Pour into a large bowl. In a small saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in packet of kool-aid and baking soda. Pour over popped corn and stir until coated. Pour out on a baking sheet that is lined with wax paper, parchment paper or a Silpat. Bake at 225F (110C) for 25-30 minutes. Stir about every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool, breaking pieces apart as its cooling and hardening.
*This picture is a mixed batch--one recipe of strawberry and one of lemonade--excellent combo!
Ideas-
- Choose team colors for a Bowl game party!
- Make colors for holiday parties--pink and red for Valentine's, green for St. Patrick's Day, red and green mix for Christmas, etc..
- Gifts for teachers or friends at holidays!
- Come up with fun flavor combos--like strawberry lemonade!
So after almost one year of being back in the States, I'm still using your blog for new recipes and tips. :) I recently had a group of friends over for a Fall-themed meal and made this using instant apple cider packets instead of kool-aid. It turned out really well! We decided to use two packets of apple cider because we thought the concentration level was higher with kool-aid. It was just right for us!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome Amanda!! I'm in the US this fall and will totally have to try that!!
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