Utes Popcorn

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I have taken the cyber liberty to rename this popcorn to “Utes Popcorn”, from it's book-given name of "Irresistible Honey Corn". If you are familiar with Utah culture, this shouldn’t require much explanation. For those of you with no idea what I’m alluding to, “Utes” are the mascot of our local university here in Salt Lake. The annual football game between Utes and its rival took place last night: red vs. blue. What’s a game without a good treat, right?? So I threw on an apron, and whisked away at this easy recipe. The red you see on the popcorn in the image isn’t blood or dirt- that is red food coloring for a red victory game! It must’ve been this delicious treat that sent out those good, winning vibes.

And tell me, have you ever taken a bite of popcorn and thought, “that’s good. I’m done”? Really. Is popcorn not the most addictive, edible substance ever? Especially if it’s drenched in caramel, chocolate, white chocolate, or all three?? I can’t seem to ever get a grip on my self- control in these circumstances. It's like my hands are magnetized to the grasping pull of its deliciousness. Curse.

This isn’t really caramel, nor is it chocolate, but it is sure something good- a mixture of creams and sweets boiled to a soft ball stage and then warmly poured over popcorn. You wouldn’t want to withhold this yummy treat from yourself and your kin, would you???

I didn’t think so.

Utes Popcorn, aka, Irresistible Honey Corn

{Always in Season, Jr. League of Utah}

1 cup butter (= 2 sticks, softened)

1 cup heavy cream (not milk, not half n half…. The real stuff- lard, cream, got it?)

4 cups sugar (yes, four)

1 cup honey

3 bags of lightly buttered popped popcorn ( you know, that microwave stuff)

In a large saucepan, combine the first 4 ingredients. Stir until the sugar seems to have dissolved and the butter has liquefied, then bring to a boil and allow to boil rapidly until the mixture reaches about 240 degrees on a candy thermometer (a highly recommended kitchen tool!). If you don’t have one, allow the mixture to boil for about 5-10 minutes, but watch it vigilantly so it doesn’t go crazy on you. Then, take a spoonful and drop it into a cup of warm water. If you can sculpt that into a “soft ball”-ish like formation, then it’s probably done. Pour hot mixture over the popcorn and stir until combined. Dye with food coloring at this point if desired.