Caramel Popcorn

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a large 15 x 21 inches jelly roll pan with foil (or use a large aluminum turkey roasting pan). Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. 2
   Add popcorn to pan in an even layer and place in the oven to warm (its okay if the oven isnt all the way at 200 yet - caramel spreads much easier over warm popcorn). Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
3. 3
   Whisk until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the caramel begins to gently boil, boil for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly (it will bubble quite a bit, just start timing when it begins to gently boil).
4. 4
   Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla (it will bubble a lot). Stir until the color is uniform. Immediately pour caramel over popcorn and sprinkle nuts on top (if using). Stir with a spatula until coated. (It is okay if the popcorn isn't completely coated yet the oven will help us out.)
5. 5
   Bake for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes. Meanwhile line counter with parchment paper. When popcorn is done pour onto parchment paper and separate pieces before it cools.