Why are you passionate about the Ada Jenkins Center? 

Mention ADA JENKINS in North Mecklenburg and immediately young or old residents can tell you something about the impact it has made in their lives.  First as the Ada Jenkins school for black residents, beginning in 1937, until integration in 1966.  From that time until 1994, the building served various groups including a day care, a dance studio and food co-op until becoming The Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center in 1994.

Today the building stands proudly as a beacon of hope in our community. It addresses medical, dental, social service, food, education needs and many more.  During the Covid pandemic, the need has been greater than ever.  So many in our towns have stepped forward with donations from individuals, church groups, clubs, and businesses.  Participating in "Confections for Good" can only mean GOOD things for Ada Jenkins! Cheers for this creative fund raiser and Cheers for good eating and drinking for a wonderful cause!  How could one not be passionate about Ada Jenkins!!

Brenda Barger

BAKED CARAMEL CORN

Easy on the waistline, Easy on the pocketbook, Easy to make, SO Easy to eat - and of course, gluten free!

Perfect for a Covid Valentine as we isolate at home, choose a romantic movie to watch, and snuggle with our favorite Valentine(s).

1 C. butter (2 sticks, unsalted)

2 C. firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 C. light Karo syrup

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla extract

6 qt. popped pop corn

   (Recommend HT light microwave popcorn, three 2.9 oz bags)

Use butter papers to lightly grease bottom of BIG pan.

When corn is popped, shake in colander so unpopped kernels fall to bottom and are not included when placing popped corn in big turkey roaster or other big, deep pan.

Melt butter in heavy, large pot on stove. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.  Bring to a boil stirring constantly.  Boil without stirring 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in baking soda and vanilla. Stir vigorously for one minute. Gradually pour hot caramel over popped corn, mixing well.  Bake in 250 oven for one hour stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from oven.  Cool and break apart with end of wooden spoon. Can add peanuts to popped corn if desired.

Enjoy!!