Cherie's Caramel Corn

Johnsdeere's Note:

My sister-in-law found this a couple years ago and started to bring it to bon fires and get-togethers. You would think this would be a difficult snack to make because of the way it tastes. The buttery pretzels, popcorn and brown sugar....talk about yummy!!! A extra hand when pouring the mixture over the popcorn comes in handy if you have a second set willing to help. Terrific snack to have at your next Super bowl event, bunko, car trip, the list goes on and on. My husband and I made batches of this, put it into a cute container, cellophane and a cute ornament on top....and instant gift to give to your neighbors, teachers, the list goes on and on. You can use seasonal m&m's if you want to change it up. ;) I hope you love this as much as we do. *Please note the M&M's will not adhere to all of the mixture, the same applies to the nuts.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12-16

Yield: 6.5 quarts

• 4 quarts popped butter flavored microwave popcorn
• 5 cups small pretzels (If you can find them, use the square grid like pretzels)
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup dark brown corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup pecans (you can use any kind of nut)
• 2 cups plain M&M's

Directions:

1. Place popcorn, pretzels, and nuts into a large bowl, set aside.
2. In a heavy saucepan combine sugars, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a rolling boil.
3. Cook and stir until candy thermometer reads 238 degrees (soft ball stage).
4. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
5. Quickly pour over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
6. Turn mixture into two 13x9 baking pans.
7. Bake at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, then stir.
8. Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
9. Remove from over; pour onto wax paper
10. Add M&M's, mix well and let cool.
11. Break into clusters.
12. Store in airtight containers for plastic bags.