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Category: Table Talk
Posted: October 19, 2012 7:30 AM
Tags: Tuffy Kickshaw's Sweetly Covered Corn, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, Julie Ciezadlo, Hotel Monaco, Cook Street School of Fine Cooking, 20 days of giveaways
I'm embarrassed to admit how quickly I blew through not one, but two, bags of Tuffy Kickshaw's Sweetly Covered Corn. When I opened the fiery-sweet jalapeño addiction and the decadent whiskey ’n brown butter (made with Stranahan's) I intended to try a couple kernels of each flavor. But the small-batch treats got the best of me: After devouring half a bag of each, I had to walk away from my desk to avoid finishing them both. I polished off the rest the next day.
Clearly, chef Julie Ciezadlo (a graduate of Cook Street School of Fine Cooking) is on to something. Where caramel corn is usually treacley sweet and hard to chew, her version is lighter—almost airy—even as it's dense with flavor. The jalapeño variety really could lead to an obsession with buttery caramel corn tossed in jalapeño and cheddar dusts. Each kernel is sweet, savory, and spicy (some bites are really spicy). That fire is nicely off-set by the cozy richness—think sticky toffee pudding—of the whiskey-brown butter version. Really, alternating flavors is the way to go.
What's most fun about these treats (so named because "tuffy" is an old-fashioned term for toffee and "kickshaw" refers to an elaborate and exotic delicacy) is that Ciezadlo changes her flavors seasonally. You read that right: seasonally appropriate caramel corn! If that seems like a reach, wait until you try the holiday-minded gingerbread or the perfect-for-fall baked apple crisp flavors.
Order Tuffy Kickshaw's here or buy it here.
Bonus: Stay the night at the Hotel Monaco, and you might find yourself with a complimentary bag.
—Photo by Andrea Flanagan

THIS STORY WAS PART OF 5280's 20 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!
oh my - addiction
whiskey and brown butter, are you kidding! sounds amazing, im sold!
Can't wait to try this!
I see a truck in their future, would also love to see them at farmers markets!
Popcorn
What's not to love? Good for you (a little) and a great treat.
Boozey Sugary Corn...What's NOT To Love?
What a coincidence. I was contemplating making homemade bacon cashew caramel corn for a dinner party I'm going to on Saturday, but wasn't looking forward to mucking up my kitchen -- so many steps in the cooking process, despite the end result being absolutely scrumptious.
After learning about Tuffy Kickshaw's whiskey-kickin' delight however, I'm Belle On Cottage Hill bound...and if it's as good as you describe, I might even just try to pass it off as my own!
foodie's dream
I am salivating all over the place. Nothing brings back childhood memories like coated popcorn (balls) but now with an adult twist!
This is so not good...
...for my snacking habit. Sounds divine, can't wait to try some!
There's no such thing...
....as too much of a good thing.
My self control goes right out the window with this stuff, too :)
popcorn
Yummy popcorn, my doctor can not complain about me over eating that.



Popcorn
Yum, definitely on my shopping list; perfect for Fall gifts.
You had me at "Stranahan's."
You had me at "Stranahan's." Must try.
The jalepeno is delicious -
The jalepeno is delicious - but the fall flavors are definitely the best! I vote they try pumpkin pie flavor next...
jalapeño popcorn
jalapeño popcorn!! YUM
i actually have to try this!
looks incredible and delicious
Seriously Delish!
Candied popcorn blows my mind! Seriously, do not let me anywhere near the Pirate's Booty. I'll keep my eyes peeled for Tuffy's version...might be a great Christmas gift for co-workers. YUM.
popcorn
It sounds like they have some fabulous flavors!
Popcorn
Best snack ever.
Hello-peno!
Flavorful and memorable
My father used to try and make flavored popcorn. When the flavor did not turn out, he would add food coloring. We loved his colored popcorn. This popcorn however, has the flavor to keep wanting more.
Variety !
Love the variety of flavors and how unique they are ! Looking forward to trying some !
Yum
That sounds like amazingness!
Jalepeño Popcorn?
Sounds great!
who doesn't love popcorn...
and with gingerbread and baked apple crisp flavors....count me in!!
popcorn
Our family loves popcorn so this is a must try!
It's What's For Dinner
I can't tell you how many times I deem popcorn a perfectly acceptable dinner. Can't wait to give this stuff a try!
Oh My Word
I've never been a big fan of popcorn, at least not of the 'movie' variety. But kettle corn? These corns? By all means I'd like a whole supply for the Fall and Winter! And the whiskey 'n brown butter immediately catches my interest as the absolutely perfect gift for a good friend of mine. Can't wait to stop by The Belle on Cottage Hill and pick some up!
Perfect
for hostess gifts!
Popcorn is such a good snack!
I love savory popcorn but this sweet popcorn from this article sounds gret!
I'm just in it for the chair
Sitting is one of my favorite activites
Gourmet Popcorn
The only gourmet popcorn I've had was from Costco, these will be real good ones to check out!
Sweet n' Spicy
Sounds so good! This is the perfect little present!
Gingerbread Popcorn?!
SOUNDS AMAZING. I need that in my life immediately!
flavor-ific
Added Kick
That sweet jalapeno piqued my interest. I love popcorn! Can this make me a believer in Tuffy?
Reminds me of childhood