Microwave Caramel Corn - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup shelled peanuts (optional)
3 tablespoons dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
salt
5 cups popcorn, popped

Preparation

Place butter or margarine in a 8 cup measure or large microwavable bowl.
Microwave at high for 30-45 seconds, or until melted.
Stir in brown sugar, peanuts(optional) and corn syrup.
Insert candy thermometer.
Microwave at high for 3-4 minutes, or until mixture reaches 280 degrees (soft crack stage). (Note- this is where the mixture can overcook - so watch carefully).
Mix in vanilla, baking soda and salt.
Place prepared popcorn in large bowl.
Pour hot mixture quickly over popcorn, stirring to coat.
Microwave at high for 2 minutes, stirring after half the time.
Stir again. Cool for about 30 minutes. Stirring occasionally to break apart.
I find it helpful, to spread caramel corn on a cookie sheet to cool. It cools much faster and is easier to break apart.
Enjoy!