Caramel Popcorn

Growing up, my family went camping nearly every weekend throughout the summer and several weekends in the spring and fall months.  One of the earlier campgrounds we'd visit would make homemade caramel popcorn in a big kettle every Friday night.  It was heaven.  I would look forward to the sun going down and everyone in the campground gathering around that kettle.  It's always been something I crave, not too sweet but not too salty.  I've finally figured out a great recipe for my craving.

Ingredients

1/4 cup corn kernels

2 tbsp oil

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup corn syrup

2 tsp salt

Start off by popping your kernels over medium high heat as the package suggests.  Pour cooked popcorn in a bowl and set to the side.  Set oven at 300 degrees at this point and spray a cookie sheet lightly with nonstick spray.  In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and 1 tsp salt over medium heat.  Mix well and bring to a boil.  Once it boils, don't stir and let boil for approximately 4 minutes.  Give it a good stir and pour over cooked popcorn.  Mix well and spread on cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with remaining tsp salt and bake for 30 minutes, mixing throughout the bake time.  Allow to cool, you may have to break pieces up. This makes about 8 cups cooked.

This is such a good fall treat and would be great for fall parties or tailgating!  Enjoy!

-stephanie