Gourmet Caramel Corn Blend

This is a delicious recipe that is great to have out for your guests to munch on during Holiday gatherings, or to give away as gifts.

1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

6 cups Popped Kettle Corn
1 1/2 cups Mixed Nuts

3/4 cup Dried Cherries
3/4 cup M&Ms
1/4-1/2 cup Melted White Chocolate
1/4-1/2 cup Melted Dark Chocolate

Melt the butter and then add in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

While the caramel is boiling spread the kettle corn and nuts out onto a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.

After the 5 minutes, remove the caramel from the heat and add in the baking soda and vanilla extract.  (Be careful the baking soda will cause the caramel to expand and rise in the pan)

Pour the caramel over the kettle corn and nuts and toss until coated with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula.  (I like to use 2 heatproof spatulas to mix it.) Do not worry if the caramel sets up without being completely coated on the kettle corn, just do the best you can by the end of the process it will completely coat.

Bake at 325 degrees for a total of 45 minutes.  Every 15 minutes take out the tray and toss the kettle corn and caramel. 

After 45 minutes remove from the oven and completely cool.  Mix in the dried cherries and M&Ms and then drizzle with the melted chocolates.  ENJOY!