Caramel Corn

Caramel Corn

6 cups of popped corn

2 sticks of butter

2  cups light brown sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking soda

11/2 to 2 cups cocktail or raw peanuts  or other nuts if desired (optional)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Pop popcorn and add peanuts. In a large saucepan melt butter, add sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Let boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and baking soda. stir well. (Baking soda will cause mixture to foam). Pour syrup over popped corn and mix thoroughly. Spread on to baking sheet. 

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes turning every 15 minutes until no longer sticky. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.