Love and a Bite of Brownie

BETTER THAN CRACKER JACKS CARAMEL CORN

12 c. popped fresh, unsalted popcorn or...make it a batch at a time by putting

1/2 c. - 2/3 c. unpopped popcorn in 2 T. canola oil in a heavy kettle-type pan. 1-1/2 c. nuts (optional) use dry roasted peanuts, or cashew or pecan halves 1 c. dark brown sugar, packed 3/4 c. real butter 1/2 c. dark corn syrup 1/2 t. baking soda Spray a large roasting pan or 2 each 17 x 12 x 2 baking pans with PAM, remove the unpopped popcorn kernals from the popcorn; place the popcorn and nuts into the pan and keep the popcorn/nut mixture warm in a 300 degree oven while you make the caramel mixture. To make the delicious caramel: In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup, bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly (may take up to twelve minutes). Cook and stir the caramel mix for five more minutes over medium heat after it comes to a boil. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the soda. (The mixture will foam.)  Being very careful, drizzle/pour this hot mixture over the popcorn/peanut mixture in the roasting pan. Stir very gently to coat the popcorn. Bake in the center of the 300 degree oven for 15 mintes, remove from oven and stir the popcorn mixture and return to the oven to bake for five more minutes. Remove and spread on foil to cool. Let dry completely before putting into tins.