Pink Popcorn with Vanilla Glaze (Print version)

Light, crunchy popcorn coated in a sweet rosy-pink vanilla glaze.

# What you need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Pink Candy Glaze

03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
05 - 1/4 cup water
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2-3 drops red food coloring

# Directions:

01 - Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows. Remove from heat. Transfer popped popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
02 - Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue boiling for 3-4 minutes without stirring until mixture slightly thickens.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add more food coloring as needed to achieve a rosy pink shade.
04 - Immediately pour hot glaze over the popcorn. Quickly toss with a spatula or greased hands to coat all kernels evenly while mixture is still workable.
05 - Spread coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely before breaking into clusters and serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The texture is absolutely perfect, light and crunchy with just the right amount of sweet crisp coating
  • It looks like something from a fancy bakery but comes together in just 20 minutes
  • The flavor is nostalgic but refined, like cotton candy met gourmet caramel corn
02 -
  • Work fast once you add the coloring, the glaze starts setting up within minutes
  • Grease your spatula or hands before tossing, or you will have a sticky situation
  • Humid days can make the coating tacky, so plan accordingly
03 -
  • Use the biggest bowl you own when tossing, you need room to coat without making a mess
  • If the glaze hardens before you finish coating, pop the bowl in the microwave for 15 seconds
  • A candy thermometer isn't essential, but 300°F is your target temperature for perfect coating

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