🍿S'mores Caramel Corn
Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary of Independence with this irresistible S'mores Caramel Corn recipe! Made with buttery homemade caramel, crunchy popcorn, Golden Grahams cereal, gooey marshmallows, and rich milk chocolate, this sweet-and-salty treat is perfect for Fourth of July parties, picnics, fireworks, movie nights, and summer gatherings. Inspired by a festive evening watching fireworks near San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this easy homemade snack is guaranteed to disappear by the handful. Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and delicious Independence Day! 🌐 tretaylor.com
A Sweet Salute to America's 250th Birthday
On July 4, 2026, fireworks will be launched directly from the Golden Gate Bridge for only the third time in the bridge's nearly 90-year history. Discover the best viewing locations, parking tips, family-friendly spots, picnic ideas, photography opportunities, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you're a local or visiting Northern California, this once-in-a-generation event promises breathtaking views, patriotic pride, and memories that will last a lifetime. Visit Tré Taylor for more Bay Area travel adventures, food, music, events, and inspiration at tretaylor.com.
🗽
There are some recipes that become part of the celebration before the first bite is even taken.
This Fourth of July is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A group of friends and I are packing our blankets, heading toward San Francisco, and finding a spot near the Golden Gate to enjoy one of the most beautiful skylines in the world while we watch the fireworks light up the bay.
I'll be bringing a few giant bags of this homemade S'mores Caramel Corn to share because good food has a way of bringing people together. Every handful tastes like summer memories—crispy popcorn, buttery caramel, honey graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and creamy milk chocolate all wrapped up in one irresistible bite.
Living in Pacifica, fireworks start long before the Fourth arrives. Every evening feels like a surprise concert of pops, whistles, and colorful flashes across the coast. Sometimes the fog rolls in, sometimes the skies are crystal clear, but that's part of the magic of summer by the Pacific Ocean. When I need sunshine, I simply wander over to the East Bay. When I need peace, I come home to the ocean.
This holiday also carries a very personal meaning for me.
Fun Fact: My father, Bob Gregonis, spent 29 years as a construction painter on the Golden Gate Bridge. He painted it, sandblasted it, and helped preserve one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Like so many hardworking men of his generation, he worked long before modern hearing protection became standard, sacrificing much of his hearing while helping care for this American icon. He was a proud Marine, built like a Viking, handsome as an old Hollywood leading man, and one of the hardest-working people I've ever known.
This Fourth of July, I'll raise a glass to my dad, to the Golden Gate Bridge he helped care for, and to everyone who quietly builds, protects, and preserves the places we love.
May he rest in peace.
From my little Nomad Kitchen to yours, I wish you a joyful, safe, and delicious Independence Day filled with family, friends, laughter, music, and plenty of sweet memories.
God bless America. God bless San Francisco. And God bless the Golden Gate Bridge.
🍿 S'mores Caramel Corn
Makes about 16–18 cups
Ingredients
For the popcorn
12–14 cups freshly popped popcorn
2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup milk chocolate chips
For the caramel
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
