EASY MICROWAVE CARAMEL CORN

12 c. popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels) (about 2 microwave bags)

1 c. brown sugar

¼ c. white Karo syrup

½ tsp. salt (if using salted microwave popcorn, omit salt here)

1 stick real butter cut into chunks

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

1.  Butter or spray a large piece of foil and set aside.

2. Pop popcorn, remove in-popped kernels and put into a large bowl (use one bigger than you think you will need). Set aside.

3. Place brown sugar, Karo syrup, salt, and butter in a microwave safe dish.

4. Microwave for 30 seconds. should be enough to melt the butter at least half way. Stir it all to combine.

5. Now microwave on high for 2 minutes. Take it out and stir.

6. Microwave for 2 more minutes. Take it out and stir.

7. Add baking soda and vanilla to caramel. Stir really well and watch it bubble and foam.

SAFETY ALERT: Don't be mesmerized by all that yummy goodness. Boiling sugar is hot. REALLY HOT. Do not put your finger in or taste it!!!!

8. Pour caramel over the popcorn. Mix it up well with a big spoon. Once well coated, spread it out onto your buttered foil.

9.  OPTIONAL -- If you like crunchy caramel corn: spread out on a cookie sheet (you might need 2) and bake either at 200 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it the last 15 minutes so you won't over cook it!

Another note: DO NOT try to 1/2 this recipe. You'll burn your caramel!!!