Caramel Corn

My friend from high school, Becky, hosts a "Romance Movie Night" where we get to watch some of my favorite stories from Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, etc. Everyone also brings something delicious to snack on. Last time someone brought homemade caramel corn. Soooooo goooood. Her recipe called for sweetened condensed milk, which I did not have. I got this recipe from my friend Lizz (also from high school, go WX Wildcats!).

I may or may not have eaten it for dinner.

What you need:

plain popcorn
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar (I only had dark brown)
2/3 cup dark Karo syrup (I only had light)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter (1/2 a stick)
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda

What you do:

1. Butter a large bowl. Pop enough popcorn to fill the bowl. Set aside.

2. Bring the sugars, syrup, and water to a boil and cook until it reaches the hard ball stage. I had never done this before, and I'm still not sure I got it right... I only have a meat thermometer which tops out at 220. But it worked out and tasted great!

3. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Stir well. Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring as you go.

Enjoy! This had a delicious hint of vanilla and just enough salt to give it that salted caramel taste. I think I 'll go have some more right now.