My family loves caramel popcorn! Turn on a movie and have this on those cold, wet winter days. I have been making this recipe since my sons were little (which has been about 25 years). It takes awhile to make, but we like it better than the store bought version. It also cost less to make and you get a LOT more of it!
Caramel Popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 qts. (24 cups) air popped popcorn
If you don't have a popcorn popper, don't worry. I make mine in the microwave. Put about 1/2 cup popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch bag. Microwave about 2-3 minutes. ( I don't reuse the kernels that didn't pop.) Repeat until you have 6 qts.
Put popcorn in large roasting pan.
In saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Boil while stirring 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. (It will foam.) Pour over popcorn in pan and stir. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes - this will spread the coating as it melts.
After the hour is up, remove from oven and put in large bowl. Stir until it has cooled somewhat. This also helps break up the popcorn so it doesn't all stick together.
Store in a Ziploc bag. It will be good for at least a week, but odds are it will be all eaten by then!
Large roasting pan with 6 qts. popcorn and boiling caramel sauce in saucepan.
This is what it looks like when you first pour on the caramel sauce.
Cook 1 hour - stirring every 15 minutes
I wish you could smell this!!!!
Put in large bowl, stir while it cools.
The final product - Delicious!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!