Soft and Chewy Caramel Popcorn

For 12 Cups Caramel Corn, Soft and Chewy Caramel Popcorn keeps the list centered on plain popcorn, packed light or dark brown sugar and salted butter. Set aside about 35 minutes.

• Yield 12 Cups Caramel Corn
• Ready in 35 minutes
• Prep 30 minutes
• Cook 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 10-12 cups plain popcorn (about 1/3 cup kernels, popped)
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• Pinch of salt (I use coarse, kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl (you'll want extra room in the bowl for tossing the popcorn with the caramel).
2. In a medium saucepan, add the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Heat the ingredients over medium-low until the butter is melted and the ingredients are combined. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
4. Off the heat quickly whisk in the baking soda and vanilla (the mixture will foam and bubble). See note below about adding marshmallows.
5. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn in a slow steady drizzle, tossing the popcorn to evenly coat in the caramel mixture. The caramel will set up and harden a bit as it cools so mix as quickly as you can (an extra set of hands can help during this step).
6. Serve immediately or within a couple hours.

Let the center settle before you cut it, or the slices will slump.