Cracker Jacks - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. peanuts (optional)
5 qt. popped corn
2 sticks margarine
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda

Preparation

Saute raw, shelled nuts in 2 tablespoons butter for 5 minutes.
Drain on paper towel.
Spread popcorn in shallow pan. Put in 250\u00b0 oven.
Fold in peanuts.
Combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in 2-quart pan over medium heat, stir until sugar dissolves.
Boil to firm ball (248\u00b0) about 5 minutes. Remove and stir in soda to foam.
Take corn from oven and pour caramel over popcorn in a fine stream.
Stir well.
Return to oven 45 to 50 minutes.
Stir every 15 minutes.
Cool.
Store in airtight containers.
Keep in cool place.