October Recipe of the month: Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn

This Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn holds wonderfully and can be made in advance, so setting out a delicious homemade treat for friends and family is quick and easy.

Ingredients

• ~8 cups of popped popcorn
• 3-5 strips of cooked bacon diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 F (optional see note below).*
2. In a large bowl combine popcorn and bacon. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add sugar, corn syrup and salt. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce to medium-low heat and continue to boil for 5 minutes stirring regularly to avoid any scorching on the bottom of the pan.
5. Remove from heat. Stir add vanilla and baking soda. Caramel will be foamy – this is normal.
6. Pour caramel over popcorn and bacon. Stir together until completely and evenly coated.
7. Spread popcorn onto greased baking sheet pans. Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes.*
8. Remove from the oven and let cool. Break up any large chunks and enjoy!

*Instead of baking in the oven, you can accomplish this step in the microwave for a faster result. In a microwave-safe bowl, cook in the microwave for 60-90 seconds (depending on the power of your microwave). Remove and stir. Repeat 2 more times. Finally spread on a greased baking sheet to cool.