Sweet, Savory, and Shout Outs!

I don't know about anyone else around here, but I'm hot. Right now, it is a balmy 82 degrees in my house. Why? Well because it's 91 degrees outside in Ohio in March, and I'm cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Oh, and I REFUSE to turn on the air conditioner. Did I mention it's March??!? I've come across so many great looking recipes in the past few weeks that I decided today was the day to work on a few of them. I'll be posting them over the next few weeks so make sure you check back to see what's been going on in my kitchen.
(And to let all of you know, after writing this today, I broke down and turned the Air Conditioner on. I just couldn't help it anymore. Who can bake properly in 90 degree heat!)
Today I worked on a recipe that I first saw over at White Lights on Wednesday. It's a recipe for
Maple Bacon Popcorn

Not only is it sweet and crunchy, but look at those beautiful little morsels of bacon!

When I first read that I thought, "What in the world could make popcorn better? But of course! Bacon AND Maple Syrup!"

This sounded like the type of recipe that my dear hubby's friends would go crazy over. (If you wonder why just read this post.)

Scroll on down to the bottom of this post for the recipe. It is the original recipe from White Lights with my slight changes added in.

Now, onto the even more exciting news of the day!!


Today I'm very proud to announce that Cups by Kim has been nominated for

The Liebster Award!!

Kristin over at Grateful Belly nominated me for this blog award! You definitly need to stop by her page and check out the AMAZING creations she has. Trust me, you will be ready to lick your monitor!

So what's with this award? What now?

Stand up. Jump up & down. Squeel with joy. Sit back down and first off, thank the blogger who nominated you. So Kristin, Thank You!!

And now?

It's time to pass this award on to 5 new bloggers.

Here are my picks.

1. Amanda at Soft & Stiff Peaks

Amanda was one of my first ever followers and has alot of great recipes and ideas.

2. Addicted To Recipes

This a new blog that I've been following. So far what I've seen looks amazing!

3. Morgan at Mighty Delighty

Morgan has taught me so much about decorating cupcakes and cookies.

4. Paige at The Sweet Spot

I happened across this blog a couple weeks ago and have already caught myself drooling over some of her posts!

5. Mimi at Eating with MiMi

She does a great job at planning menus. I envy her organization of meals (instead of having to run to the grocery after work!)

So to all of my Liebster Nominees I say Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Be sure to pass this on and proudly display this award on your Blog for all to see!

I also want to thank each and every one of you for stopping by this blog. Whether you've just come across it from one of the many link parties, or if you're a long time friend or follower, I really want to thank all of you. If it weren't for you, this blog wouldn't be here. Heck, this business wouldn't be here. And to all of you who linked up to Sweet & Simple Sunday #1, I hope to see you all back again next week, and make sure you bring some friends!!

Peace. Love. Cupcakes.
Kim

Maple Bacon Popcorn

Ingredients:

8 slices of bacon, fried. Reserve drippings

2 Tablespoons maple syrup (I added another 2 Tablespoons)

3 Tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I only used about 3/4 teaspoon. There was enough salt from my bacon)

1/2 cup popping corn

1/4 cup cooking oil (only use this if you don't have enough drippings to equal 1/4 cup)

Directions:

1. Fry the bacon in a skillet until brown and crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, chop into small pieces and toss with the maple syrup.
2. Measure out the reserved bacon grease into a measuring cup. If you don't have 1/4 cup of grease, add vegetable oil to make a full 1/4 cup.
3. Put the cooking grease/oil in a large pan and add the corn kernels. Sprinkle with the sugar and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Heat the stove to medium heat, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and wait until you heat the first couple of kernels pop.
4. Once the popping begins, use two pot holders to hold the lid on the pot and shake the pot, then return to the burner. Continue to do this often throughout the popping process, everyone minute or two. This will help ensure the sugar doesn't burn.
5. Once the popping is done, remove the lid and salt the popcorn with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a large spoon to stir the popcorn. Pour in the bacon and maple syrup mixture. Toss together and serve.