Name: Caramel Corn with Smoked Almonds and Fleur de Sel
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings (about 10 cups)
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable-oil spray; 1 cup popcorn kernels; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 2 3/4 cups sugar; 1/2 tablespoon baking soda; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 2 cups (about 8 ounces) smoked or regular Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped*; 1 1/2 tablespoons fleur de sel; *Marcona almonds are tender Spanish nuts that are usually roasted and salted. They're available at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.; 1 large baking sheet; parchment paper or aluminum foil

Image may contain Food Popcorn Snack Birthday Cake Dessert and Cake

Caramel Corn with Smoked Almonds and Fleur de SelLara Ferroni

Chef Graham Elliot, of restaurants Graham Elliot and Grahamwich in Chicago, shared this recipe as part of a Tree-Trimming Party Menu he created exclusively for Epicurious. Inspired by the spiced snacks served at German Christmas markets, this popcorn combines the sweetness of caramel with savory, salty nuts. The caramel sets quickly, so have all your ingredients and tools ready to go, and try to work as quickly as possible. If you're strapped for time, you can use microwave popcorn or even store-bought.

Editor's note:

When making the caramel, once the sugar begins to caramelize you can swirl the pan to evenly distribute the color, but avoid stirring, which will cause the sugar to crystallize and harden.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

101 Ways to Cook With Almonds
They make great cakes. They make tasty bar snacks. They make perfect sense.
12 Foods That'll Make You Feel Like You're on the Beach
All of the best bites of the beach boardwalk are right here, without the sand everywhere.
Edible Gifts Are the Best Gifts
Sweet and salty treats that anyone would love to receive.
Why You Should Be Eating Your Party Favors
Hosts with the most know that the only way to say goodbye is with a bag of something sweet, salty, or both.
How to Make the Ultimate Father's Day Dessert
Be sweet to dad on Father's Day. Ice cream sweet.
15 Ways to Make Popcorn Even Better
Spicy popcorn, caramel-y popcorn—even frozen, creamy popcorn.
Salty Sweet Snacky Treats
When it's drizzling and gray, it's all well and good to sit down and tuck into a multi-course meal, or you can graze through a spread that sates your sweet and salt tooth.