“Cracker Jack” Popcorn, Patrick Fahy, executive pastry chef at Sixteen

Suggested Movie Pairing: Field of Dreams

Ingredients:
4 oz. popped popcorn (plain or kettle-corn style)
1 cup sugar
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
Scant ½ cup corn syrup
1 1/8 cup toasted peanuts
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ tsp baking soda
Nonstick cooking spray

Steps:
1. Place the popped popcorn in an extra large, well-sprayed stainless steel bowl.
2. In a two quart pot, cook the sugar and water until the mixture becomes amber.
3. Add the vanilla, baking soda, butter, and salt. Be careful when adding the baking soda — the caramel will rise and bubble for a moment.
4. When the bubbling is controlled, add the nuts, stir briefly, and pour over the popcorn.
5. Stir quickly before the sugar cools so it coats the popcorn evenly.
6. Pour the popcorn onto a flat surface or onto sheet pans and try to separate the popcorn without touching it (try shaking the pan). Wait until it cools completely before eating.

Sixteen, 401 North Wabash Avenue (at Kinzie Street); 312-588-8151.

Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Fahy