POPCORN ANYONE ?

 Who grows popcorn ?  Well I do. Don't remember why I started it . Probably got a sample pack somewhere and gave it a go.
  Over the years I have grown corn but I find it to be more work than it's worth.  We're not big corn consumers so I don't believe the sweet corn will return . Popcorn however will always find a place in my garden . We didn't plant any this year because as you can tell from the 3 large mason jars above I have more popcorn than I need.
  I am attending a plant trade this weekend and decided to pass along the gift.  I will have packages of seeds available.  Normally I get my seeds from Davids Garden Seeds. They are Pop Corn robust 997 hybrid seeds.  And can be purchased on amazon if you click on the name.
  I decided to do a germination experiment and planted some of my pop corn.  It was great. 100 percent germination rate and in 7 days not only did they germinate but grew 3" tall !!! I guess pop corn appreciates a good old fashioned heat wave!!!  Anyways I am willing to share my love of popcorn growing.

This popcorn is great. Smaller and denser than microwave popcorn  and they taste like real corn. I prefer to use coconut oil in a hot pan but it also works great in an air popper. 

My favorite recipe is Carmel corn with fresh grown pecans. Erik's dad lives in new Mexico and has a few pecan trees. You have never had a pecan like a New Mexico Pecan. 

This is my go to Carmel corn recipe.  no fancy ingredients just brown sugar and butter. 

EASY HOMEMADE CARAMEL CORN

yield: 10 CUPS

Our Easy Homemade Caramel Corn is a family favorite. It is super yummy and super easy. And you don’t need Corn Syrup for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 Cups of Popped Popcorn
• Salt
• 1 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make popcorn.
2. Salt popcorn and set aside.
3. Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until thoroughly mixed.
5. Stirring continuously, bring the butter and sugar mixture up to a boil on medium heat.
6. When it reaches a boil allow it to cook for 5 minutes without stirring on medium heat.
7. Add the 2 tsp. of vanilla at the 4 minute mark and stir to mix.
8. Continue to boil for one addition minute and then add the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
9. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Use a spoon to gently fold the popcorn with the mixture until the kernels are all covered.
10. Pour the popcorn out onto a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil or a silpat liner.
11. Let the popcorn cool.