Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Here it is, the ultimate family night treat: caramel corn! Easy and quick to make, don't blame me if you end up making this once a week. Yummy!

This recipe is modified from one by Emeril on the food network website.

Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn

printable recipe 

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 tsp salt

4 Tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 package microwave popcorn (I usually use butter flavored, if you use plain, then up the salt to 1/4 tsp.)

1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts

Put the package of popcorn in microwave and pop according to directions.

In a large glass bowl, combine the sugar, syrup, salt, butter, and vanilla.

Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave for 2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds.

Remember the brown paper bag I told you to pick up at the store? 

While the caramel is cooking, pour the popcorn and the nuts into the bag.

When the 2 minutes is up, add the baking soda to the caramel mixture and stir well (mixture will foam).

Pour the caramel into the bag and stir to coat.

Turn the bag under to close and microwave on high for 1 minute.

Transfer the caramel corn mixture to a baking sheet lined with waxed paper to cool.

Enjoy! If there are any leftovers (haha), store in an airtight container.

*Note: depending on the popcorn you use, you may end up with a few unpopped kernels. If you don't pick them out before combining the popcorn and caramel, you could damage your teeth, so be careful!