Caramel Corn

Photo credit: http://www.ifood.tv/blog/10-gluten-free-food-recipes

Well it's that time of year when the seasons, leaves and wardrobes change, but as these things change so do the smells within the air. One of my favorites for Fall is homemade caramel corn! It's a great get-together snack that everyone enjoys either for a social event, a personalized and fun date idea, or even a little self indulgence. Whatever the case maybe enjoy and I look forward to hear how it goes!

Here are the ingredients:
1 Cup of Butter
2 Cups of Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup of Corn Syrup
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
Dash of salt
5 Quarts of popped popcorn (slightly cooled popcorn works best!)
*3/4 bag of melted chocolate or white chocolate (or both!) in a separate double broiler!
* If desired

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Place the popcorn in a very large bowl or spread evenly along a wax paper lined cookie sheet and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat (high heat will cause the butter to boil and you want it to melt evenly instead of faster), melt butter. Mix in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.
3. Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
4. If desired after popcorn cools you can also drizzle the melted chocolate over it for additional sweetness and design!