Sweet and Salty Popcorn Nirvana

If you love caramel corn, you will love this updated recipe, made incredibly easy using a microwave.  No more messy pans on the stove or silly thermometers.  So easy, so good, you will soon be craving sweet and salty popcorn for breakfast.  Give it a try for your next family movie night, your family will love you.

2 bags of Orville Redenbacher's butter flavored popcorn in the pop bowl, cooked in your microwave.  (Microwaves vary, I stop mine after 2 minutes, even if I am using the popcorn setting so the popcorn does not scorch or burn).
2 cups of mini pretzels
1 small container of cashews
1 stick of butter
1 cup light brown sugar packed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl combine the popcorn, pretzels and cashews, set aside.  In a large microwaveable measuring cup melt butter in microwave, about 1 minute.  Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup and microwave 2 minutes or until bubbly.  Stir the mixture, then microwave 2 more minutes.  Use a potholder, mixture will be hot.  Mix in vanilla, then baking soda until mixture begins to foam.  Carefully pour over popcorn and stir.  (I like to stir with my right hand while pouring with left hand).  Spread mixture on 2 baking sheets sprayed with butter flavored cooking spray.  Bake in 200 degree oven for 1 hour, lightly tossing with a fork every 15 minutes.

Update: No cashews, no problem, just leave them out, it's still so delicious. (written as I am munching on some).

This recipe was inspired by "Pops' Great Caramel Corn" created by Gene Ault, as published in Food Network Magazine, September 2013.