Sweet and salty caramelized popcorn balls with the flavors
of my favorite ice cream: Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby®. These go together very
quickly once the caramel has turned amber, so get everything measured and ready
to go before you start. Trust me, those won’t disappoint! PS-it is best not to
do these on a humid day-they still taste fantastic, but don’t set up quite as
well; just a little bit gooey.
Ingredients:
13-14 cups (just a wee bit less than 2 standard bags) popped
microwave popcorn (I’m using Smart Balance®)
2 cups peanut butter filled pretzels, lightly crushed
1 ½ cups chocolate covered malted milk balls, lightly
crushed
2 cups sugar
½ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup half and half
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions: Line
a 9 by 13 inch pan and an 8 by 8 inch pan with foil and butter liberally. Set
the pans aside and put the popcorn into a huge bowl (I used my big ol’
stockpot). Combine the pb pretzels and malted milk balls in a separate bowl and
set aside.
Put the sugar, water and salt in a large saucepan. Heat to
boil on high heat, stirring often, and then drop heat to a low boil (medium
heat). Continue to boil without stirring for about 12-16 minutes or until the
mixture is amber colored. Note: when you are making caramel, it’s always a good
idea to have a cup of water and a brush handy to wipe down the sides of the pan
so there are no big sugar crystals.
Remove the caramel from heat and very quickly add the half
and half, marshmallows, butter and vanilla. It will hiss at you, but don’t
worry—it will calm down. Stir until the butter and marshmallows are melted.
Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn and give it
one or two quick stirs. Add in the pretzel/malted milk balls and stir until
everything is well combined. Quickly pour into your prepared pans and (using
damp hands) pat down. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, turn the pan out
onto a cutting board, remove the foil and cut into bars.
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