Microwave Caramel Corn

One night recently, my husband came home with a grocery bag full of junk food.  Cheddar popcorn, ice cream, candy, pizza, and of course...caramel corn!  We started talking about homemade caramel corn and I realized that this would be the perfect time of year to share a quick recipe for microwave caramel corn with you guys. A wonderful fall snack during a cozy movie date!

Ingredients

1/2 c. unpopped popcorn

3/4 c. butter

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. brown rice syrup

3/4 tsp. Salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

Directions

Using an air popper, pop the corn. (It should make about 4 quarts of popped corn.)

Dump the popcorn into a large brown paper bag.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.

Add the brown sugar, brown rice syrup, and the salt.

Stir well.

Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. It should just begin to boil.

Once it begins to boil, microwave an additional 2 minutes.

Using hot pads, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the baking soda. 

Continue to stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves and the mixture becomes foamy.

Drizzle the mixture over the popcorn.

Fold the bag closed and shake well to distribute the caramel mixture.

(*Bag gets HOT so use oven mitts! You don't want burned fingers.)

Microwave (bag & all) on high 1 1/2 minutes.

Shake well.

Microwave again for 1 1/2 minutes.

Pour caramel corn into a large bowl or onto a baking sheet to cool.

With a wooden spoon, stir occasionally to break into chunks. Once completely cool, store in large ziplic bag until devoured.

I adapted this recipe from Meaningful Mama and I think it's a keeper! It's a bit chewier than the caramel corn you bake in the oven, but it's still delicious.  Perfect if you want something quick and easy!

Make a bowl for your next movie night and enjoy. :)