Freaky Hot Wing Popcorn Recipe

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing enough to fold up the sides and ends. Coat the parchment paper and a large kitchen bowl with cooking spray; the bowl should be large enough for all the popcorn. Set the bowl and baking sheet aside, keeping the popped popcorn in a separate bowl for now.

In a saucepan, bring the granulated sugar and cup water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, lift the pan and swirl it every 30 seconds or so. Do not mix with a spoon or scrape down the sides. In 10-12 minutes, the mixture will turn a deep amber caramel color.

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the kosher salt, baking soda, and cayenne pepper. When the baking soda goes in, the mixture will change to an orange color and react strangely; this is normal, so just keep stirring.

Into the prepared large bowl, layer the popcorn and sauce, building about 4 layers. Then, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the popcorn until it's all coated with the sauce.