Nutty Caramel Corn

Last Sunday the Brazilian community had a Christmas party here in Central Texas, potluck style. Dear Husband and I brought turkey and cranberry sauce. For no reason other than  I was feeling like it, I decided to make some Nutty Caramel Corn to give out as party favors. Because we had 22 families present I made 2 batches, which was no big deal since it is really easy and fast. The only thing is that because it yields a lot four hands are really needed to stir the syrup with the popcorn, and I am lucky Dear Husband was eager to help me.

I am going to post the basic recipe but keep in mind you can customize it according to your taste, add more sugar, less peanut butter, different types of nuts - just make sure you don't skip the vanilla or the baking soda at the end, as they make the final product come together.

Ingredients:

3 packages plain microwave popcorn

1 cup salted peanuts

1 cup roasted almonds

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cups butter, cubed

3/4 cup corn syrup ( I used light)

3/4 cup peanut butter ( I used creamy)

1/2 cup molasses ( spray the measuring cup with a little cooking spray, this works for the corn syrup as well)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup pecan halves

Directions:

Pop popcorn in the microwave as usual. After all bags are popped put it all in a very large bowl, remove the unpopped kernels and add the pecans, mixing well. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the peanuts, almonds, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, peanut butter and molasses. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda ( mixture will foam, pretty cool).

Add hot syrup mixture to popcorn and toss to coat, this is where you need 4 hands due to large amount. Be aware it will be sticky, but you can spray your hands with some cooking spray to make your life easier. Spread onto parchment paper, wait ten minutes until it cools, break into chunks for easy storage and consumption.

                  In take-out boxes ready to be gifted.

                   In the pan, a delicious sticky mix.

At the end, after adding vanilla and baking soda, ready to be mixed with popcorn.

              Cooling on parchment paper.