If you are a caramel corn junkie, then this is the recipe for you- it's so ridiculously easy, amazingly delicious, and it takes no time at all! You'll be sure to impress your date with your mad (microwave) cooking skills. If you can push buttons and do a little shaky shake with those buff arms of yours, then you have what it takes to make this recipe. So hop to it! You won't regret it for a second... at least until you realize that you ate the entire thing in a matter of minutes... and your date hasn't even arrived yet!Ingredients:
12 c popped popcorn (about 1/2 c unpopped kernels)
1 c brown sugar
1/2 c salted butter
1/4 c light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 t vanilla
1/2 t baking soda
Directions:
Pop the popcorn and place the appropriate amount into a large brown paper bag. A grocery bag works perfectly. Try to get out any unpopped kernels- they are tooth breakers and detract from the 'inhalation of food' process. Set aside.
In a 2 quart heat-proof, microwave-safe dish, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. Heat for 2 minutes in the microwave, then take out and stir until well blended. Return to the microwave, and stir in the baking soda. Watch it all get foamy and awesome! Stir thoroughly to make sure it is well blended.
Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the popcorn. If you get a saturated clump of popcorn in the middle, you can do a little stir in the bag with a nonstick utensil (I used a big spatula) to break it up so that the caramel disperses and coats everything evenly.Place bag into the microwave and cook for 1 minute. Remove, shake, flip the bag over, and return it to the microwave. Cook again for 1 minute. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let it cool until the coating is set. It doesn't take long, but don't jump the gun! Caramel is very hot when it is straight out of the microwave and it sticks like crazy, which is a really bad combo. Don't ask me how I know!
Once it gets cool enough to touch (again, be careful about poking at it too early with your fingers!) you're good to start inhaling it. Or if your date hasn't arrived yet, put it somewhere you can't reach it. Or you'll eat it. All. Before they arrive. Bad news, sad date.
