by Jeanni Ritchie
I picked up some Cracker Jacks for my mom while grocery shopping the other day. It was once her favorite snack.
I used to prefer the treat in each box over the caramel popcorn as a kid. As an adult, I realized the caramel popcorn was the REAL treat!
Each year on April 6th we celebrate National Caramel Popcorn Day. It is one of America’s favorite snacks.
Invented by popcorn merchant Frederick Rueckheim and his brother Louis, the popcorn, molasses, and nut concoction called Cracker Jack to the masses in the 1800’s.
Like tamales and Juicy Fruit gum, Cracker Jack gained popularity at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. In 1908, Jack Norworth penned “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” forever cementing Cracker Jack’s place in pop culture history.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack
I don’t care if I never get back….
This month we root, root, root for #CaramelPopcornDay!
Want to make your own? Here’s an easy caramel sauce recipe. Pour over some freshly popped popcorn and enjoy!
Caramel Sauce Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3-5 minutes
Total Prep: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients:
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup half-and-half cream or evaporated milk
¼ cup butter, cubed
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
Add remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and amateur foodie. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
