Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn

A sprinkling of coarse sea salt gives this caramel corn a flavor boost.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup almonds
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Cooking Directions:

1. Line a 17x12x1–inch rimmed baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
   
2. Spray a large bowl (not plastic) with cooking spray and place popcorn and nuts inside.
   
3. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter and corn syrup.
   
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
   
5. Clip on a candy thermometer and boil, stirring occasionally, until temperature reaches290°F (145°C), about 15 minutes.
   
6. Remove candy thermometer and stir in vanilla.
   
7. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir to coat well.
   
8. Spread popcorn mixture in an even layer into prepared baking pan.
   
9. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces to serve.
10. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 3 quarts; 12 (1 cup) servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Popcorn Board.