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cracker jacks gone wild!

(17 RATINGS)
8.10K Pinches 11 Photos
fortheloveoffood avatar
McMinnville, OR
Updated on Jun 27, 2020

This is our movie night favorite! I admit I tend to overindulge, but cannot help myself. :)

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Perfectly salty and sweet, this movie night treat is addicting. All the extra add-ins take this to a whole new level. Caramel popcorn is tossed with chocolate M&M's and tart dried cranberries for the ultimate flavor contrast. We loved cashews for the nut of choice (but easily swap your favorite). This is great any time of year and not just for movie night. Use different color M&M's for a holiday treat or hostess gift. So easy and so good!

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top
yield 14 - (1 cup servings)

Ingredients

  • 8 cups popcorn, popped
  • 1 cup cashews pieces, salted
  • 1 cup M&M candies
  • 1 cup cranberries, dried
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup, light
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

How To Make cracker jacks gone wild!

  • Baking sheet covered in aluminum foil and non-stick spray.
    Step 1
    Line a large jelly pan (or baking sheet) with foil and then spray with Pam.
  • Popcorn, cashews, M&M's, and cranberries in a large bowl.
    Step 2
    Combine popcorn, cashews, M&M's, and cranberries in a large bowl.
  • Sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt added to a saucepan.
    Step 3
    Over medium heat in a large saucepan add the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir frequently.
  • Cooking sugar mixture until it caramelizes.
    Step 4
    Cook 3-4 minutes until sugar is dissolved and syrup is boiling stir occasionally. Reduce heat to medium. Boil without stirring for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture looks a light caramel color. Boil an additional 2-3 minutes or until it is a rich golden brown. Watch carefully as it will brown quickly.
  • Pouring caramel mixture over popcorn in a bowl.
    Step 5
    Remove from heat and pour over popcorn, nuts, and candy mixture. Stir quickly to mix well.
  • Popcorn mixture spread out on the baking sheet.
    Step 6
    Pour/spread as much as possible pulling apart clumps into prepared pan.
  • Popcorn mixture in a resealable bag.
    Step 7
    Cool 15-20 minutes or until warm to the touch. Break into pieces. Store in airtight containers. Enjoy within 5 days of preparation.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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