Chunky Caramel Popcorn Clusters

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 38
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 1 (9 3/4 ounce) can whole cashews (2 cups)
• 1 (5 ounce) bag pecan halves (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter (land o lakes)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon shortening
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 250°f place popcorn, cashews and pecans in large roasting pan.
• 2 combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in 2-quart saucepan. cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). continue boiling 2 minutes. remove from heat; stir in baking soda.
• 3 pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. cool completely. (do not break into pieces.).
• 4 place chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening into resealable plastic food bag. microwave on high (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead bag. continue microwaving at 15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. cut tiny corner from bag; drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. repeat with baking chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening, microwaving on medium-high (70% power). drizzle over popcorn mixture. let stand until chocolate is set (3 to 4 hours). break popcorn mixture into pieces.
• 5 store in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.
• 6 recipe tip
• 7 chocolate and baking chips can be melted separately with shortening in a small bowl in microwave or in small saucepan over low heat until melted. drizzle chocolate mixtures with fork or spoon.