Caramel Popcorn (like cracker jacks)

By á-47

Ingredients

• 2 - 3 1/2 oz. bags Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet popping corn
• 1 1/2 cups cashews (8 oz)
• 1 - 6 oz. pkg. sweetened dried cranberries (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 cups maple flavored syrup
• 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 2 tea. vanilla

Preparation

Step 1

Microwave popcorn. Place in a 6 qt. bowl. Add cashews and cranberries; mix lightly. Set aside.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Mix syrup and vinegar in a deep saucepan until well blended (saucepan must be deep to prevent syrup from boiling over the top). Bring to a boil over high heat. Continue boiling until the temperature reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Blend in butter and vanilla.

Drizzle hot syrup immediately over popcorn mixture. Carefully toss with spatulas until popcorn is well coated. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet; cool before serving.,

Store in airtight container.