Caramel Corn

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 10 cups lightly salted plain popped popcorn
2. 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
3. 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
4. 1/4 cup light corn syrup
5. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
9. Vegetable oil spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner or buttered parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the popcorn and chopped nuts. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and butter and bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat for 2 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the vanilla, salt and baking soda. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss with a rubber spatula coated with vegetable oil spray.
2. Spread the popcorn on the baking sheet and bake for 2 minutes; stir to coat. Repeat 3 more times, until the popcorn is evenly coated with caramel. Remove from the oven and stir until the caramel hardens, 5 minutes.Transfer to a bowl and serve.