honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, March 29, 2008

ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
RECIPES
Nutty for the game

By J.M. Hirsch
Assoicated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

What goes better with the great American pastime than hot roasted peanuts? Make your own and kick it up a notch with chili-lime flavor, top, or bake up a batch of caramel-corn mix, above.

Photos by LARRY CROWE | Associated Press

spacer spacer

If it's spring, it must be ... baseball season! And fantasy baseball season. And high school and college and neighborhood baseball season.

Here are a couple of recipes for snacking while you watch the games, whether in person or via TV. And if you're planning to park yourself on the sofa, there's a game airing at 2 p.m. tomorrow on ESPN — Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.

In this Cracker Jack-style popcorn recipe, the more popcorn you use, the thinner the caramel coating. For more assertive candy coating and larger chunks, use 3 quarts corn. For a more even mixture, use 4 quarts.



CARAMEL PEANUT POPCORN

Start to finish: 1 hour (20 minutes active)

  • 3 to 4 quarts popped corn

  • 2 cups roasted, salted shelled peanuts

  • 1 stick butter

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup

  • 2 tablespoons molasses

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat a wooden or other large spoon with cooking spray.

    In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and peanuts. Set aside.

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and molasses. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reads 300 F on a candy thermometer.

    Pour the syrup over the popcorn and peanuts, using the prepared spoon to toss the mixture until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

    Makes 6 servings.



    CHILI LIME ROASTED PEANUTS

    Start to finish: 30 minutes

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided

  • 4 cups roasted shelled peanuts (not salted)

    Preheat oven to 450 F.

    In a large bowl, combine the oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt. Add the peanuts and toss well to coat.

    Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peanut to a rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Roast, stirring once, for about 8 minutes.

    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the peanuts with the remaining tablespoon of salt. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

    Makes 8 servings.