Oven Caramel Popcorn

This is so easy, almost effortless to make. It tastes as good, if not better than Cracker Jacks. A snack for anytime or occasion. I got this recipe from my sister in Lecompte, La. I have been using it for 30 years now. It is great for snacks and gifts for any occasion for POPCORN lovers.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 6 quarts

Ingredients

• 6  quarts  popped popcorn (cooled & unsalted)
• 2  cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 1⁄2 cup  light Karo syrup
• 1⁄2 cup margarine or 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. In a small pot add sugar, syrup, margarine or butter, cream of tarter and salt. Mix and boil until the bubbly stage (about 5 minutes).
2. Test a drop in water until (like soft caramel) forms a ball.
3. Remove from heat and add baking soda. It will SUDDENLY fluff up. QUICKLY add this to the tall large pot (gumbo or soup size) of prepared popcorn.
4. SPEEDILY mix well to coat the popcorn with the syrup mixture. It will be very sticky.
5. Pour and spread into a margarine greased 9x12 pan or larger pan. Bake 1 hour at 200 degrees.
6. Remove and place cooked caramel popcorn onto a wax paper to cool.
7. Once cooled, then crumble (like Cracker Jacks) and place into air tight containers to keep crunchy.
8. Get ready to file this one in your favorite recipes <yummy>.