Caramel Popcorn

I adapted my version from a recipe I found at All Recipes, go here to see the original. This popcorn treat was very simple to make and really good.

3 1/2 bags of popped microwave popcrn {I used Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop - Butter}

1 cup dry roasted peanuts (optional)

1 cup cashews (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the popped popcorn into two shallow baking pans sort through popcorn to remove all the unpopped kernels. Add the peanuts and cashews to the popped corn if using. I usually make one pan with nuts and one without. When doing it this way I only use 1/2 cup of peanuts and 1/2 cup of cashews. Set aside.

Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.

Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and with two wooden spoons stir to finish coating popcorn. Once cool , separate the pieces and store in airtight containers or resealable bags.