Crafty Gift Idea # 2 - Oven Caramel Corn

Oven caramel corn is a quick, inexpensive, and simple gift to make people for stocking stuffers or hostess gifts during the holidays. Presenting it in cellophane bags gives it a Martha-y touch. Anyway, here's the recipe. Very tasty. Adapted from Betty Crocker.

Oven Caramel Corn
makes about 17 cups

15 c popped popcorn
2 c peanuts or walnuts or almonds or pecans (or a mix if you like)
1 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c butter
1/4 light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Heat oven to 200 degrees.

Place popcorn and nuts in a very large bowl or roasting pan, or 2 ungreased lasagna pans.

Heat brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly around the edges. Continue cooking 5 minutes without stirring, remove from heat. Add baking soda and stir until foamy.

Pour sugar mixture over popcorn & nuts. Toss until coated evenly.

Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Take out, spread across foil on counter top to let cool. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate with a bit of vegetable oil and drizzle evenly over popcorn.

Store in airtight containers or give away fresh.

I skipped the chocolate for this one, but it still turned out pretty good.