Ultimate Caramel Chocolate Popcorn

By á-25218

Ingredients

• 18 cups air-popped popcorn
• 1 can (15 ounces) mixed nuts
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 cups dark chocolate, milk chocolate and/or white baking chips
• 3 teaspoons shortening

Details

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

Place popcorn and nuts in a greased roasting pan; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat; stir in baking soda (mixture will foam). Quickly pour over popcorn and mix well.
Transfer to two greased 15-in. x 10-in. X 1-in. baking pans.
Bake at 250° for 1 hour or until dry, stirring every 15 minutes.
In a microwave, melt each chocolate separately, adding 1 teaspoon shortening to each 1/2 cup chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over popcorn mixture; let stand until set.
Break into clusters. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 5 quarts.