Chunky Caramel Popcorn

Total Time: 5 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 5 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 38
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 2 cups whole cashews
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 250 degrees. place popcorn, cashews and pecans in a large roasting pan. combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup n a 2-quart saucepan. cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil (7 to 8 minutes). continue boiling 2 minutes. remove from heat; stir in baking soda (mixture will be foamy).
• 2 pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. cool completely. do not break into pieces.
• 3 melt the chocolate chips and 1 tsp of shortening in a small bowl in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat until melted.
• 4 separately, melt baking chips with 1/2 tsp of shortening in a small bowl in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat until melted.
• 5 with a fork or spoon, drizzle over popcorn mixture. let stand until chocolate in set (3 to 4 hours). break popcorn mixture into pieces. store in a container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.