Key Lime Pie Popcorn

8 cups popped popcorn, hot

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon citric acid powder

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon butter

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 drops lime flavoring oil (such as LorAnn Gourmet Flavoring oils)

1 drop green food coloring (optional)

Heat the oven to 200 degrees.

Spread the popcorn in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm.

Using a mortar and pestle, food processor or blender, combine the salt and citric acid, then grind or pulse until they are reduced to a fine powder. This will take about 1 minute with a mortar and pestle, or a few seconds with a processor or blender. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and cream of tartar. Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Once the mixture boils, stop stirring and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Remove the pan from the heat. Remove the popcorn from the oven.

Once the sugar mixture stops bubbling, stir in the flavoring and food coloring. Immediately pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn, using a wooden spoon to gently mix it to evenly coat the corn.

Quickly sprinkle the salt and citric acid mixture over the popcorn, tossing to coat evenly.

Cook's note: The tangy flavor in the popcorn comes from powdered citric acid, which resembles white sugar and is a common ingredient in candy. It's widely available at baking and craft stores.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 235 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated), 55 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein, 8 mg cholesterol, 514 mg sodium.

Associated Press