(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)

Festive treats take on new meaning as we approach the winter holidays, especially treats made with serious craft beer.

This one comes our way from Chico, California-based Sierra Nevada Brewing and it uses the brewery’s brand new Citra Little Thing, a 7.5% ABV limited release Hazy India Pale Ale with vibrant hoppy notes of orange and grapefruit.

“To me, great beer is all about the details of the drinking experience,” said Brian Grossman, Chief Brewer and second-generation brewery owner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “With Citra® Little Thing we wanted to showcase everything that makes Citra® special—its bright citrus, punchy aromatics, and unmistakable juiciness.

And that juiciness is a great addition to this recipe.

So let’s do this!

Sierra Nevada Citra Little Thing Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients

2 cups popping corn

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups toasted nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds, peanuts)

1 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, cherries)

Non-stick vegetable oil spray

1/2 cup Citra Little Thing IPA

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/2 tablespoon baking soda

1 stick unsalted butter

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot with a lid, add the vegetable oil and the corn. With the lid on the pot, cook over moderately high heat, shaking the pot continuously for about 8 minutes or until all of the kernels are popped. Pour the popped corn into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed sauce pan, combine Celebration, water, sugar, salt and light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is dark amber, about 300°.

Step 3

Remove sauce pan from heat, add baking soda and butter and stir for about 30 seconds. Caution: This will produce considerable steam. Use a long whisk and avoid touching the top of the sauce pan.

Step 4

Working quickly and carefully, pour the caramel sauce over the popped corn. Stir to coat the popped corn evenly. Add the nuts and fruit.

Step 5

Pour the final mixture onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil wrap that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable oil spray.

###

Want more “Cooking With Beer” recipes?

We’ve got them…

LAGUNITAS UNREFINED SHUGGA’ BREAD PUDDING

SIERRA NEVADA NARWHAL STOUT BROWNIES

OKTOBERFEST BEER CHEESE PRETZEL SKILLET

OSKAR BLUES CITRUS-CHILI WINGS

DALE’S PALE ALE STUFFED PIZZA BREAD

SIERRA NEVADA CHICKEN POT PIE

GUINNESS BEEF STEW

###

(All image credits: Sierra Nevada Brewing)