Good Eats Slacker Jacks

Saw this made on tv and had to give it a try. Loved it. You need to move fast as the ingredients harden fast.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  ounces  popped popcorn, approximately 3 quarts
• 1  cup salted peanuts
• 4  ounces unsalted butter
• 16  ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 2 cups (I use Splenda)
• 1⁄4 cup dark corn syrup
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Spray a pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
3. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray.
4. Combine the popcorn and peanuts in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
5. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla and stir until combined.
7. Heat the mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F, approximately 10 minutes.
8. Pour the syrup over the popcorn and stir to combine. You will need to work quickly because the syrup hardens rapidly.
9. Spread the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour. (I have never baked mine and still think it comes out tasting wonderful but wanted to include this step as this is how they made it on tv).
10. Cool completely.
11. Break into pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.