Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe

This is definitely not a food blog, but this recipe is too good not to share.  I made it the other day and realized I had never shared the recipe with you.  You seriously have to try it!  My mom has been making this recipe for as long as I remember.  It was always a special treat during the holidays and she even made it as a favor for our wedding guests.

The recipe is really simple and turns out great every time.  People always request the recipe whenever I take it somewhere.  So, here it is for you to enjoy!  I'll just go ahead and warn you that I took the step by step photos one handed with my phone, but I thought they might be helpful so I'm including them. :)

3/4 C. unpopped popcorn

1 C. butter

2 C. brown sugar (I like dark brown)

1/2 C. light corn syrup

1tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  Pop the popcorn using an air popper.  If you don't have one you can pop it on the stovetop, but I think it's best with the air popper.  I actually see them often at Goodwill so you can pick one up from there for a few dollars if you want to.  That's actually where I got mine and it works just fine.

I use a large roasting pan because it makes it easier, but if you don't have one you can also use two 13 x 9 inch pans.

Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  

Then cook it to the soft ball stage (235 degrees)  You'll need a candy thermometer for this step.  You can find them online or at pretty much any supermarket.

Once it reaches the soft ball stage, remove the mixture from the heat and add the baking soda and vanilla.  It will bubble up a bit when you add the baking soda so be careful!  Stir to combine and then pour the mixture over your popcorn.

Keep stirring until all the popcorn is evenly coated.

Bake it in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Once you take it out of the oven spread it out on a flat surface to cool.  Once it's cool, grab a handful and enjoy!  

Let me know if you have any questions.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!