Caramel Popcorn and Peanuts

I love finding new snack food recipes. This would be great to serve at a party. Even better for movie night with the family! I found this recipe in this month's All You magazine and thought it was perfect this week because Publix had popcorn and peanuts on sale. I think it tastes a lot like Crunch-n-Munch. Clay has some for lunch tomorrow and the rest is going to my Office to get it out of the house!



1 bag popped popcorn (I used Butter Light)
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, in pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line a baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper (I used foil because that's what I had). Pop popcorn in microwave. Transfer to a large bowl, add peanuts and set aside.

In a large pot, combine 1/4 cup water, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook without stirring until mixture turns a light amber color, 4-6 minutes. If parts of syrup turn darker, tilt pot to even out heat (mine never really turned amber).

Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla and salt. Stir the popcorn and peanuts into the sugar mixture to completely coat. Scrape mixture onto papered baking sheet and let cool about 15 minutes before breaking into pieces and serving. Store in a large zippy bag.



Enjoy!


(adapted from All You Magazine)