Caramel Corn

This is a great treat for a Halloween party, a nice neighbor gift at Christmas or a tasty treat for any time of the year.



8 c. popped popcorn (about 1/3 c. unpopped)
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. margarine
3 Tb. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup peanuts (optional)

Remove all unpopped kernels from popped corn. In saucepan, combine brown sugar, margarine, and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat to boiling. If you want soft caramel corn boil until firm ball stage (245 degrees), if you want hard caramel corn boil until hard ball stage (255 degrees). Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla; pour over popcorn in a large bowl. Add peanuts. Stir gently to coat. Spread onto wax paper. Allow to cool briefly then shape if desired or cool completely.