Thrifty Recipe- Caramel Popcorn in a bag

IMG_1119Did you get the brown paper bag in yesterdays Sunday paper?  It was from Office Max and everything you fit inside is 15% off. Here is another way to use the bag.  I used it to make a yummy Sunday snack with my kids.  We love to make Caramel Popcorn in a bag….yes a brown paper bag.

You will need

  • 5 quarts of popcorn
  • 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 large brown paper bag

IMG_1102Measure  5 quarts of popcorn, and pour into a brown paper bag.

IMG_1106Set aside, while you make the caramel

IMG_1104In a large sauce pan add:

  • 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt

IMG_1105Stir over Medium heat, bring to a boil.

IMG_1107Once it comes to boil…cook for 2 mins, then take off heat.

IMG_1108Add 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla…..this will cause the caramel to change color and get “fluffy”

IMG_1109Quickly pour the Caramel on top of popcorn, fold the top over and SHAKE….SHAKE…. SHAKE about 30 seconds

IMG_1113The Caramel will start to coat the popcorn, but will still be one large clump.

You will want to put the whole paper bag in your microwave for 1 minute....then take out and Shake again for 30 seconds

and repeat this 2 more times….for a total cooking time of 3 mins in the microwave.

IMG_1112This is my little boy Matthew….laughing as he does the shake, shake, shake dance with our popcorn.  Got to love the black socks with shorts.  We are also in the middle of a kitchen remodel, so we have subfloor  right now in our kitchen….tile goes in this week!!!

IMG_1115After you have cooked it 3 times for 1 minute …..the popcorn will be fully coated.  It will still be hot and sticky so you will need to pour it out into a large bowl, and stir till it cools. Once cooled it will no longer be sticky. It will be crunchy like cracker jacks.

IMG_1116It is hot and sticky, but comes right out of the bag.  As long as you pour it out while it is hot.  Hope you enjoy this Thrifty Recipe!