Family Favorites...Homemade Cracker Jack

Myrna and I are old enough to remember when one of those small boxes of cracker jack was a real treat – and not just because there was a small prize in it.  We still like it because it’s not nearly as sweet as many coated popcorn mixes.  I used “Grandma’s” molasses in this – it’s a little sweeter than Brer Rabbit brand.  About the only thing wrong with this recipe is the difficulty leaving it alone!    I have also made it without the peanuts and it’s still good.   It's a great picnic or camping snack to take along.                                    
Homemade Cracker Jack
  4               Cups  Popcorn -- popped
  1               Cup  Peanuts -- shelled
     1/2         Cup  Molasses
     1/4         Cup  Sugar
Mix popcorn and peanuts together in a large bowl or pan
Cook molasses and sugar together until the mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer.
(You can test the syrup by letting some drop from a spoon into a cup of cold water.  The syrup is done when it forms a thread as it drops into the water).
Pour the hot syrup mixture over the popcorn nut mixture and coat evenly.  Cool and break into chunks with a wooden spoon.  (I poured mine out on a parchment-lined half sheet and separated it it right away).
In an airtight container, the mixture will keep well 4 to 6 weeks (so she says; we haven’t kept it that long).
  "Cheaper and Better"
  "40 Ounces"

4 comments:

  1. I love cracker jack, but I hate to pay so much for just a little box! Thank you for the recipe, I am saving it for later!

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    1. Amanda, I have not made it, but Sue shared some with me, this is the closest to Cracker Jack I have tasted. We also like the flavor of Cracker Jack better than caramel corn which is often much sweeter. I don't know about Sue but Kay (our older sister) and I always looked for the prize first. Back than they put some good prizes in the boxes. My favorite was a Superman decoder ring.

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  2. That looks like a wonderful recipe! I LOVE Cracker Jack, can't wait to try this out. Thank you so much for sharing!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi 1st Man, Hope you do like this, I sure feel that it is the recipe for us Cracker Jack lovers out there.

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