Popcorn Caramel Crunch

Name: Popcorn Caramel Crunch
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: about 8 cups.
Ingredients: 4 cups popped popcorn; 1 cup dry roasted peanuts; 1 cup chow mein noodles; 1/2 cup raisins; 1 cup sugar; 3/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 2 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I live in popcorn country, and there's even a town nearby that has a "Popcorn Days" celebration. This is a good snack and also good for entertaining during the holidays, especially because it can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

4 cups popped popcorn
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup chow mein noodles
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a large greased bowl, combine the popcorn, peanuts, noodles and raisins; set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches soft-crack stage (270°-290°) with a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Stir in cinnamon.
Pour over popcorn mixture; stir until evenly coated. Immediately pour onto a greased 15x10x1-in. pan.
When cool enough to handle, break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.