Ingredients:

  • 16 C (4 qt) popcorn – popped (*see Notes below)
  • 1 C light brown sugar
  • 1/2 C (1 stick) butter 
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 C light karo corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Add the popped popcorn to a new & unused large brown paper grocery bag
  2. Grease a 13″ x 9″ x 2″ baking sheet with plenty of nonstick cooking spray
  3. In a 3 qt saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, salt and corn syrup
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently
  5. When the mixture is at a rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute
  6. Remove from heat
  7. Stir in baking soda – it will bubble and foam up
  8. Add the vanilla and stir
  9. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn in the bag
  10. Stir the caramel in with the popcorn – it doesn’t have to be perfect, just stir a little bit
  11. Fold the bag down several times
  12. Microwave the folded bag on high for 1 minute
  13. Take it out of the microwave, with the bag folded, shake the living hell out of it
  14. Put it back in the microwave, with the bag folded, and microwave on high for 1 more minute
  15. Take it out of the microwave, with the bag folded, shake the living hell out of it
  16. Pour the popcorn out onto the prepared baking sheet – break up any chunks
  17. Let cool for a couple minutes before serving

Notes:

  1. Pop the popcorn with an air popper or on the stove – do not use bagged microwave popcorn.  I know the recipe is called Microwave Caramel Corn, that is because it is cooked in the microwave, silly!   LOL