Baked Caramel Corn

Always a hit and easy to make.

2 sticks butter
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 qts popped popcorn

Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, & salt.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla.  Gradually pour over the popped popcorn, mixing well.  Turn into a LARGE, shallow pan (roasting ) .  Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Remove from over and cool slightly.  Break apart.  Store in airtight container

Carol's Chocolate Popcorn

Use red and green colored chocolate melts at Christmas or Red and Blue for the 4th of July.

Pop unflavored, unbuttered popcorn (3 bags). Could probably use air popped popcorn.
Melt 1/2 bag of white chocolate melts.Toss in hot popcorn.
Spread in large pan (roasting, jelly roll.)
Melt 1/4 bag colored chocolate melts and drizzle over the popcorn.  Freeze until hardened. Break up and store in airtight container.