Slacker Jacks

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2006

Show: Good EatsEpisode: Pop Culture

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (23)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(23)

Cook Time:
1 hr 10 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: 45 min
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
Total:: 2 hr 5 min

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Ingredients

3 ounces popped popcorn, approximately 3 quarts
1 cup salted peanuts
4 ounces unsalted butter
16 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 2 cups
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray as well and set aside.

Combine the popcorn and peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla and stir until combined. Heat the mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F, approximately 10 minutes.

Pour the syrup over the popcorn and stir to combine. You will need to work quickly because the syrup hardens rapidly. Spread the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Cool completely.

Break into pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Slacker Jacks
LAURIE Joplin, MO 05-25-2009
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This stuff is addictive!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Glad I read the reviews that suggested getting rid of the unpopped kernels and mixing the nuts into the syrup before pouring... onto the popcorn. I usually add 1 tablespoon (yeah, I know) of cayenne pepper to the syrup for some heat. If you're not sure, start with 1 tsp as one of the other reviewers suggested and add more if needed. This has been a hit (with or without the pepper) everywhere I've taken it. Thanks Alton for a relatively quick, easy recipe.Read more
recipe Slacker Jacks
JAN Ringgold, GA 11-01-2008
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Good not Great
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I thought this was too sweet and not enough salty. And, I made the mistake of not thinking about the unpopped kernels so I... had little kernels throughout that had to be spit out. So, if you make this, don't make my mistake. Make sure you remove the unpopped corn before you mix.Read more
recipe Slacker Jacks
Matthew Concord, CA 10-05-2008
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Nifty Trick
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I just made this, twice. The second time, I had my genius moment: I stirred the peanuts into the syrup before I poured it... over the popcorn. That way, all the nuts were sticky, and glued themselves to the popcorn, instead of diving to the bottom of the bowl, as is the wont of every sensible peanut. It works!Read more
recipe Slacker Jacks
Frank Austin, TX 06-26-2008
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Great caramel popcorn
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is a great recipe, the popcorn is dry not sticky and not clumped together just like cracker jacks, though I added the... vanilla to the sugar mixture at the end before I poured it on the popcorn and I did not have to put it in the oven, could be a humidity thing. I also added with the vanilla a 1/4 teaspoon of cayanne pepper to the sugar mixture for a slight kick.Read more
recipe Slacker Jacks
Anonymous 12-21-2007
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Great recipe
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I melted 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and poured it over the popcorn after I had broken it up. Everyone loved... it. You do need a large pan to mix it in, I used my large roaster and you must mix fast.Read more
recipe Slacker Jacks
NINA ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 08-07-2007
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best popcorn ever
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is how I make my popcorn and it is the best way!!! I love it!! Hope you'll try it.