A Cracker Jack Of A Cake Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Make the cake as the pkg. directs. Divide batter evenly between two 9 inch square cake pans coated with cooking spray. Bake as the package directs. Allow cake to cool to room temperature in the pans. In large bowl, whip cream with sugar and vanilla til mixture forms medium stiff peaks. Put bowl in refrigerator to keep chilled. Remove cakes from their pans and trim rounded tops from the layers to make the cakes even in thickness. Put one cake layer on a plate and top with enough whipped cream to form an even 1/2 inch layer. Sprinkle the toffee over the whipped cream. Put the second layer on top. Use remaining whipped cream to coat the entire cake, using an offset spatula to make the top and sides straight and smooth. Put the cake in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Pour the caramel sauce over the center of the cake. Spread the sauce evenly with spatula, allowing some of the caramel to run over the sides. Put the cake back in freezer for another 5 minutes or just long enough for the caramel to set. Top the cake with a layer of popcorn and a sprinkling of peanuts. With a spoon, drizzle some of the chocolate over the top of the cake. Top with another layer of popcorn, peanuts and chocolate. Continue making layers until the desired height is achieved. Put the cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm before serving. Serve any remaining popcorn alongside the cake slices. Serves 8

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250 degrees and grease two large rimmed baking sheets with neutral oil.
• Add the remaining 3 tablespoons neutral oil and 2 kernels to a large pot. Cover and heat over medium. Once you hear those first two kernels pop, add the remaining kernels, cover and cook, shaking occasionally, until the popping slows down, about 4 to 6 minutes. You should hear a few seconds of silence between pops. Remove from the heat.
• Transfer the popcorn to a large, heatproof bowl and discard any unpopped kernels. Add the peanuts to the popcorn and toss to combine. Set the vanilla and baking soda near the stove for easy access.
• In a small saucepan, stir the butter, brown sugar, molasses and salt over medium until the butter melts. Once the butter has melted, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook the mixture, undisturbed, until the temperature reaches 248 degrees.
• Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will become foamy. Immediately pour it over the popcorn and use a wooden spoon to coat it evenly.
• Spread the popcorn out onto the two prepared baking sheets. Bake until the mixture is dry, about 20 to 25 minutes, tossing occasionally. The mixture will dry out as it cools but may still be slightly sticky. Sprinkle with a bit more salt, to taste.
• Let the popcorn cool completely. It's best enjoyed the day it's cooked, but you can also store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Steps:

• Mix popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl or roasting pan. Keep warm in a 250°F oven.
• Melt butter in a 2 quart saucepan. Stir in sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla.
• Quickly pour over warm popcorn while tossing until well coated. Spread in a shallow baking pan or roasting pan.
• Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Make sure every piece of popcorn has been moved around on the bottom.
• Remove from oven and turn out onto foil to let cool.
• Store in a tightly covered container.