Hopefully you still have time with family and friends this week to have some fun playing games and watching movies- both of which require great snacks.  Popcorn is a personal favorite of mine, and this homemade kettle corn tastes like that same great sweet and salty snack you get at the county fair.  It’s fast and easy to make and always loved.  They’ll be no leftovers . . . in fact, be prepared to make another batch!

Since New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, here’s a great way to dress up this simple snack for the occasion.  Serve it in colorful party hats (got mine at Party City) lined with cellophane tissue paper – it’s perfect for your countdown celebration {or for any party}.

Homemade Kettle Corn

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup popcorn kernals

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)

Directions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add three kernels of corn and when they pop the oil is ready.  Add the rest of the popcorn and sprinkle with the sugar-  stir to combine.  Place a lid on the pan. Alternate, in three second intervals, between leaving the pan on the stove top and lifting and shaking the pot. Once the popping has slowed to 2-3 seconds, remove from the stove and continue to shake until the popping stops.  Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and sprinkle with salt.  Stir gently to combine the salt and breakup any clumps.

recipe adapted from allrecipes