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Crackerjacks or Caramel Popcorn

Makes: 8 cups
5 from 1 vote
Course: Snack
Author: Mom
Servings: 12
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients  

  • 8 cups popcorn (popped)
  • 1 cup peanuts (optional)

Sauce:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 Tbsp corn syrup
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp baking soda

Instructions: 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°.
  • Pop the popcorn then combine the popped popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl and set aside.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
  • Heat over low heat until the butter is melted, stirring a few times.
  • Once the butter is melted, let it bubble for about 3 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.
  • Pour the sauce over the popcorn and peanuts and stir until everything is coated.
  • Spread the popcorn out evenly on cookie sheets with edges.
  • Bake for 15 minutes - you may need to stir it once or twice.
    Watch it closely the last few minutes so it doesn't burn.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool until chewy but not hard.
  • Loosen into smaller chunks and pour into a bowl.
    *If you don't break it apart when it's still chewy, it will become a huge, hard clump.*
  • Allow to completely cool then serve.

Notes:

Make Ahead: This can easily be made ahead of time - just store it in an air-tight container so it doesn't become stale.
Diet: Gluten Free, Egg Free