Caramel Corn & A Birthday

This caramel corn is a staple in my family's household treats.  My Mom makes huge batches of it, usually around Christmas and throughout the summer, then has to hide it so we don't eat it all in one sitting.  My Dad is known to hunt it out and leave nothing left for when my Mom goes to find it and bring it to a BBQ or whatnot.  It's so good, and so addicting!  I was going to post my tomato sauce that I made with the fresh tomatoes I talked about yesterday, but thought I'd post this caramel corn first in case you needed any extra ideas for a Memorial Day event! 

My Mom uses a popcorn maker, and pops the kernels herself.  I just bought regular bagged popcorn and popped it in the microwave.  I also cut the recipe in half, and ended up using two full bags; approximately 3 1/2 quarts or 14 cups.  If you're making the whole recipe make sure you have around four bags of popcorn.

Begin by boiling 1 cup of butter over medium-low heat on the stove.

Add brown sugar and lite corn syrup to the pot.  Cook for around five minutes, then remove from heat.

Add the salt and the baking soda, and stir well.

Once the salt and baking soda is mixed in well it should appear lighter like above.

Pour the hot-ish mixture over the popcorn and stir well to make sure all kernels are coated.  I sprayed two 9x13 inch pans with non-stick and put the popcorn in that to bake.  Bake at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. 

Once out of the oven, let cool for a few minutes.  Then break up the corn into chunks.  I really enjoy this recipe because it's light, the caramel doesn't overpower the popcorn, and it tastes delicious!  This stores really well in plastic baggies, or in a Tupperware container.  If you need a little something extra to bring to a party, this is the perfect addition!

Today is my boyfriend C's 27th birthday - and I would like to wish him a very

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Hope you have a great day, and I'm glad I'm here to celebrate with you  :)

Caramel Corn

Adapted from: mi madre, thank you!

7 quarts popped popcorn

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup Karo lite corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

Pop popcorn and set aside.

Boil 1 cup of butter until melted.

Add brown sugar and corn syrup for around 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Add salt and baking soda, and stir well.

Pour mixture over popcorn and mix well.

Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. 

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes, then break into chunks.

Enjoy!

*If you'd like to add nuts, add them before the corn cooks for the last 15 minutes.