Caramel Popcorn Cluster Icecream

Who doesn't love popcorn? They are a great low-calorie snack. They are perfect for a movie night with the family. Of course, popcorn and movies are made for each other. Popcorn is a versatile ingredient. In addition to having as popped form, they could be used in many ways. They could be used like breadcrumbs, flavors can be added after popping, etc...

When Christie announced "Popcorn Recipes" in the "Our Family Table" group, I decided to post this ice cream. It's a great way to explore the potential of popped snacks. It is simple, flavorful, and addictive. This recipe is based on a simple vanilla ice cream and caramel corn. I made my own caramel popcorn clusters. I made caramel from 1.5 cups of sugar and used it to make clusters from one microwaveable popcorn bag. I used the movie theater butter popcorn that I had in hand, though I love kettle corn. Store-bought caramel popcorn could also be used. Crush the clusters and add to the molten ice cream. All you need is 2 cups of clusters. The rest of the popcorn also gets emptied quickly. And the addition of powdery bits of caramel and popcorn that is at the bottom layer gives a more pronounced flavor. Every bite of ice cream has caramel bits and popcorn. The teeny tiny shards of caramel along with the popcorn bite and popcorn infused vanilla ice cream altogether gives an amazing flavor experience. Swirl with additional caramel if you like and freeze for 4-6 hours before serving. It tastes DIVINE!  

The caramel popcorn cluster ice cream is as delicious as popped corn. This is my post for #OurFamilyTable and Christie is hosting this event. We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

Ingredients

Whole milk - 1 cup

Heavy cream - 2 cups

Sugar - 3/4 cup

Vanilla - 1 tbsp

Caramel popcorn clusters - 2 cups, crushed a little

Caramel - 2 tbsp, optional

Serving toppings

Additional popcorn clusters

Caramel


Method

Blend the milk, vanilla, and sugar to completely dissolve milk. Add the cream and run once. 

Set up your ice cream machine. Add the blended milk-cream mix to the churning pre-frozen ice cream bowl. In about 6-8 minutes, the ice cream will begin to firm up while churning. Take it out and transfer to a bowl. Add 2 cups of the fine caramel bits and popcorn and fold. Add another cup of crushed caramel popcorn cluster, fold. Drizzle if you want to a swirl of caramel. Transfer to ice cream container and freeze for 4-6 hours.

When serving, scoop the ice cream onto a bowl. Top with extra popcorn clusters and caramel if you prefer. 

The fun recipes we shared today for "Popcorn Recipes" are below and make sure to check all the fun recipes.

• Caramel Popcorn Cluster Icecream by Magical Ingredients
• Gourmet BBQ Flavored Popcorn by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• How to Make Popcorn in a Wok by Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Movie Theater Popcorn (at home!) by Palatable Pastime
• Sesame Popcorn Snack Mix by That Recipe