Caramel Corn

Tell yourself you are making this for the kids. Then hide it where only you can find it.

4 quarts popped popcorn
3 cups mixed nuts (or peanuts or almonds)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1/2 cup corn syrup (Karo), light or dark)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 250°.

Lightly spray a large roasting pan with vegetable cooking spray. Combine the popcorn and nuts in the roasting pan and place in the oven.

In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches a full, rolling boil. Stop stirring and allow to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda

Pour sugar mixture over popcorn and nuts, tossing to coat. Return pan to oven and bake at 250° for 1 hour, stirring mixture occasionally.

Allow mixture to cool, then break apart. Store in an airtight container.