This is a very good holiday treat the my kids can't get enough of. It combines the sweetness of caramel with the saltiness of pretzels, nuts and popcorn. There is no mess because it is mixed in a large throw-away brown bag!
INGREDIENTS (for 3 servings):
- 8 cups broken salted pretzels
- 20 cups popped popcorn
- 4 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 3 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
PREPARATION:
Place the pretzels, popcorn and peanuts into a large paper bag or, if you have one, a very large bowl. Set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook, stirring to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar, until the mixture comes to a boil. Once the mixture is at a full boil, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the salt, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up when you add the soda, so use a long spoon to stir. Immediately pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn and pretzels in the bag. Shake until evenly coated. For a crispier treat, boil the sugar mixture longer, or bake the finished mix in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes.