caramel-nut popcorn

Courtesy of Cuisinart.

Caramel Nut Popcorn

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1. preheat oven to 300* F.
2. prepare a sheet tray by lining it with foil; spray with cooking spray.
3. place popcorn and nuts in a large mixing bowl that has also been sprayed with cooking spray. reserve.
   
4. Place the butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a 3-quart saucepan over high heat. Bring mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, bring mixture to 275* F, and remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda very carefully, as caramel will sputter when ingredients are added.
   
5. Pour mixture over popcorn and nuts and toss immediately with a heatproof spatula
6. Pour popcorn mixture out onto prepared sheet pan and place in preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
   
7. Allow to cool and bake into pieces to serve.

Then package beautifully with all your fun papers and bows and enjoy.

Happy eating and crafting!

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