Caramel Corn :)

Fall has hit my corner of the world hard in the past few days.  Up until then it still felt like summer, highs in the 70's and even 80's.  No need to turn on the heat even.  Until yesterday that is.  October 18 is the latest I have turned the heat on in many years, so I guess I cannot complain.  My son is a member of the M-State Spartan football team and it brings back a conversation with our son in August 2010.  Grant had gone off to fall football camp and came home five days later so stiff and sore and exhausted that he wondered if it was worth it.  Now two years later at the end of his M State player career, he could not be happier that he soldiered on and stuck it out.  Tomorrow we trek up to Grand Rapids, MN for the final game of his season.  I decided to whip up some caramel corn to bring along for a snack :)  Enjoy what fall is left in your neck of the woods, and don't be afraid to stick things out!

CARAMEL CORN
15 c. popped popcorn ( I pop mine on the stove top) - set aside
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter
1/2 c. Karo syrup
Put these 3 ingredients into a pan and stir well.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Let boil for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 tsp. baking soda.  Stir well.
Place your popped corn into a paper grocery bag.  Pour your caramel sauce over the popped corn - using a big spatula, stir well.  Close down the top of the bag.  Place in the microwave and cook for 2 minutes on high.  Remove and stir well.  Put back in the microwave and cook one more minute.  Stir.  Pour out onto waxed paper to cool.  Store in  ziplock bags.