Spicy Maple Cashew Popcorn Snack

This delicious snack is one that would make a great indoor out of the cold weather sit and watch T.V. sort of snack. The delicious popcorn mixed in with a bit of spice and maple with cashews makes the perfect delight for the family to share. I can remember many nights when my mom would make up a popcorn snack and we would sit snuggled on the couch under covers as we enjoyed a delicious snack of popcorn together.

1 tablespoon canola oil


1/4 cup unpopped popcorn kernels (about 6 cups popped)

1/4 cup dry-roasted cashews

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper


Heat canola oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. While saucepan heats, line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper; set prepared pan aside. Add popcorn to oil in saucepan; cover and cook 2 minutes or until kernels begin to pop, shaking pan frequently. Continue cooking 2 minutes, shaking pan constantly. When popping slows down, remove pan from heat. Let stand 1 minute or until all popping stops. Stir in cashews. Combine sugar and remaining ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool 1 minute. Pour hot syrup mixture over popcorn mixture; toss well to coat. Immediately spread popcorn mixture out onto prepared jelly-roll pan. Cool 3 minutes.