Old Dutch Caramel Corn

If you love caramel popcorn this is a good shortcut recipe.  My mom got this yummy recipe from her co-worker (also found in the Old Dutch website).  I made one revision.  I replaced the corn syrup with the same amount of honey.  If you have neither honey nor corn syrup you can make a simple sugar before continuing on to step 2.  

Instruction for simple sugar:  In a large saucepan add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/8 cup water.  Cook in low heat until sugar is dissolved and the mixture is clear.

1 cup butter 

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

one 175g bad of Old Dutch popcorn twist

1. Pour popcorn twists into a large roaster pan and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan bring to boil the butter, brown sugar, and syrup.  Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add baking soda.  This will foam up and the mixture will thicken.  (This is why you will need a large saucepan.)  Allow the foam to cook down slightly and remove from heat.
4. Add vanilla and stir.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn twists and stir until well mixed.
6. Bake in 225 F oven, uncovered for 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, and pour onto wax paper to cool.
8. When cool break apart and store in a covered container.