5 qt. popped popcorn 1 c. (2 sticks) butter or margarine 2 c. brown sugar, packed firmly 1/2 c. light corn syrup 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 c. nuts, optional (salted peanuts, whole almonds or pecan halves)
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large, rimmed baking pan (17x 12 in.) with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. 2. Spray a large mixing bowl (not plastic) lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside. Spread optional nuts over popcorn, if desired. 3. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Lower heat and boil 5 min., stirring frequently. Quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda. 4. Quickly pour hot mixture over popcorn; stir well to coat. Spread evenly into prepared pan and bake 1 hr., stirring every 15 min. Cool completely in pan; store in an airtight container.