Nutcracker Sweets

Another holiday recipe (or anytime) that I picked up from somewhere a few years ago. This mixture also makes a nice gift.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 8 cups

Ingredients

• 4  cups  popped popcorn
• 2⁄3 cup pecan halves
• 1⁄3 cup  unblanched whole almonds
• 1 -2  tablespoon butter, melted
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Lightly butter a shallow baking pan (15"x10") with 1" sides.
2. Stir together the popcorn, nuts and melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the salt.
3. Spread this mixture in the buttered pan.
4. Combine the sugar, butter and corn syrup bringing to a boil, stirring constantly, over a medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until it turns a light caramel color.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
6. Pour over the popcorn and nuts and toss to coat.
7. Spread the mixture out to cool and harden.
8. Break apart after hardened and store in loosely covered container.
9. Eat at home for a snack and/or give some to a friend as a holiday treat.