The Blu Print: Let’s String Some Kettle Corn!

Ah, July.

July means we are half way through the year, and while in some places the heat makes it hard to think about Christmas, many places bring out their holly and lights and trumpet a “Christmas in July” sale. According to Wikipedia, the actual source of the holiday frenzy is attributed to many sources. Some say that it comes from an opera where children rehearse Christmas songs in July which prompts an astute observer to quip that when you sing about Christmas in July, you rush the season.

Others, probably closer to the mark, have attributed the “Christmas in July” to the simple fact that there are no marketing opportunities from July 4 in the United States and July 1 for Canada Day until September’s Labor Day for both countries. That means a long, hot summer with no promotional opportunities. So, let’s make one up!

For others, July means fairs, picnics and carnivals. Rodeos, street fairs, craft fairs and in Butte, Montana, Evel Knievel Days. No matter what your fair or carnival preference, one thing is certain, there will be cotton candy and kettle corn. As a new devotee of kettle corn, a found recipe is now a favorite of mine. Here is the recipe in its entirety and comes compliments of Allrecipes.com :

Kettle Corn

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ready In: 20 Minutes

Servings: 5

"White sugar makes the Kettle Corn taste like popcorn balls. Use brown sugar and it will taste like caramel corn."

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

Directions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the sugar and popcorn.

Cover, and shake the pot constantly to keep the sugar from burning.

Once the popping has slowed to once every 2 to 3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and continue to shake for a few minutes until the popping has stopped.

Pour into a large bowl, and allow to cool, stirring occasionally to break up large clumps.

For caramel corn lovers, substitute brown sugar for the white sugar.

Celebrate Christmas in July

Since we are celebrating Christmas in July, here are some awesome gifts that you should pick up now. When you buy handmade gifts, you need to buy them when you see them. Handmade gifts go quickly, and they are often not repeated by the seller, which makes them truly one of a kind.