The Best Caramel Corn Ever

A friend brought this caramel corn to my Christmas party, how we had any leftovers is beyond me because I ate all of them the next night! I then made an additional batch to give as gifts for Christmas, and to eat more of! You will never buy the boxed or tinned popcorn again after trying this!

Oh My Goodness, I can't get enough!

This is a very picture heavy post, there are alot of steps to this recipe and they go by quickly. It's easy enough to make, but you have to pay attention. Before you begin cooking the caramel, measure out the baking soda and the vanilla, and chop the peanuts. You won’t have time to do it later. Do not try to make this recipe without a candy thermometer.

Caramel Corn
Yields 10 cups

1 (3½-ounce) package natural microwave popcorn, or 10 cups fresh popped popcorn
1 Cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 Cup light corn syrup
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup lightly salted nuts

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, and dump the popcorn into the bowl, taking care to pick out and discard any unpopped kernels.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer, whisking often, until the mixture reads 250°F on a candy thermometer, about 3 to 4 minutes.

 Immediately remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the baking soda and vanilla.

Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the caramel into the popcorn, taking care to distribute it as evenly as you can. Stir in the peanuts, and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring and turning the popcorn with a spatula every 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Gently break up the popcorn, and serve or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (or thereabouts).