Monthly Archives: January 2014

Sriracha Caramel Corn + 5 Sriracha Recipes to Try Now!

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scc0054I love salty and sweet combinations and I’m not afraid of a little spice. In fact, I crave a little heat lately. Maybe it is a pregnancy thing or maybe my taste buds are bored. Either way when I came across a recipe for Sriracha Caramel Corn I had to try it. Bubba and the kids love caramel corn, but are not fans of anything too spicy. Luckily, the Sriracha sauce added more smokiness than heat so, they loved it. The caramel plays well with the salty popcorn and spicy sauce. It is a perfect marriage of flavors. (Yup, I just wrote marriage of flavors.)

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I made fresh pop corn which I recommend. I used this recipe from Simply Recipes. It is the best popcorn recipe I have found because it comes out perfect every time. I set aside the popcorn and made the caramel Sriracha sauce. The sauce comes together quickly. I found the recipe on the awesome food blog Dam Delicious. (Be sure to check out this blog if you haven’t already!) I adapted the recipe slightly by using brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup. Brown rice syrup adds a nice nuttiness to baked goods.

Once cooked, I poured the sauce over the popcorn and baked the popcorn at 250 for 45 minutes.

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One very long hour later the popcorn was ready for us to eat. I have to warn you this popcorn is addictive. One handful is not enough. You’ll keep coming back for more. But, is that a bad thing? Give this recipe a shot. You’ll love it!

Sriracha Caramel Corn

recipe slightly adapted from Dam Delicious

makes 6 cups

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup brown rice syrup

Pinch of sea salt

1 teaspoon Sriracha, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

6 cups fresh popcorn

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 250 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare fresh popcorn, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium/high heat. Be careful not to burn. Once melted, stir in brown sugar, brown rice syrup and sea salt. Bring to a boil, without stirring, for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add Sriracha, vanilla extract and baking soda.

Pour sauce over popcorn and combine until the popcorn is evenly coated.

Spread popcorn on baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

5 Sriracha Recipes To try Now!

Sriracha’s popularity is not diminishing anytime soon. If you are new to the sauce, or need a little inspiration check out these recipes below.

I love banh mi sandwiches. This recipe for a pork meatball banh mi sounds dam good.

Want to serve pot stickers at your Super Bowl party? Try Martha’s Shrimp Pot Stickers with Sriracha Ginger Dipping Sauce.

If you prefer spicy wings at your Super Bowl party, try Michael Symon’s recipe.

I love Ranch. This popcorn recipe from the Curvy Carrot is next on my list of Sriracha recipes to try.

Want to make your own? White on Rice Couple has the recipe for you.

My Favorite Guacamole Recipe + 5 Delicious Appetizers for the Super Bowl

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My kids love family snack time. Our group snack time usually occurs on a Sunday during football season. Sometimes we eat popcorn and hot chocolate, sometimes chips, salsa and guacamole. Sitting together, sharing food and cheering on our favorite team brings us together even if it is only for a short time. We sit down and have dinner together every night, but often it feels rushed. Sunday afternoon never feels rushed.

Last weekend, we watched the Pats take on the Broncos. Bubba bought the kids a Pats balloon at the grocery store. We were excited. I made my favorite guacamole and we sat together, just the 4 of us and watched our team. It felt cozy. I think I understand, now, why they like family snack time so much. We just sit together. No one is trying to get anything done. No one is rushing. By the third quarter the kids lost interest in the game. Bubba and I held out hope they would come back and win, but not this time. The next day C asked when will we have family snack again. I said soon, but what I wanted to say was: how about now Goose? Until our next easy Sunday…

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This guacamole recipe is a family favorite. Even our 3-year-old loves it! I found this recipe in Bon Appetit a couple of years ago and it has since become my favorite guacamole.

guac0026This recipe calls for basil instead of cilantro and lemon juice instead of lime juice. The basil adds just a little sweetness. The lemon juice pairs well with the basil and makes the dip taste much brighter. This dip is great in the summer when fresh basil is abundant.

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The next time you gather with family and friends make this dip. It comes together quickly and tastes great with tortilla chips, fresh veggies and even crusty bread. Maybe even try it on your burger this summer. Summer….

Guacamole with Basil and Shallots

Recipe from Bon Appetit

serves 8

Ingredients:

6 avocados, halved, flesh removed and diced

3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil + more for garnish

1/2 cup shallots, finely chopped

kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

tortilla chips, fresh veggies, crusty bread

Directions:

Place avocados in a large bowl and smash with a fork or potato smasher. Add lemon juice, basil, shallots. Mix gently. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer dip to a pretty bowl and serve with chips and veggies. For tips on how to keep guacamole green, head to the kitchn. Enjoy!

5 Delicious Appetizers to Make for the Super Bowl

Even if your favorite team didn’t make it to the Super Bowl it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch. Try these appetizers, enjoy the commercials and may the best team win!

I love nachos and I love sweet potatoes. This recipe for Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos is calling my name. Be sure to explore their blog for more awesome recipes.

Looking for a new salsa recipe? Try my roasted grape and jicama salsa!

Pretzel Bites? Yes. How about stuffed with pepper jack cheese? Head here for the recipe.

French onion soup is too much work Super Bowl Sunday, but how about French onion soup wonton bites? Climbing Grier Mountain has the recipe for you.

Do you like mozzarella cheese sticks, but don’t like the calories? Try Averie Cooks recipe for skinny mozzarella cheese sticks. Only 110 calories each!