Chocolate - Caramel Popcorn!

This sweet popcorn is an absolutely, over the top, decadent indulgence!  It is definitely meant to share. If you eat a whole bowl to yourself, you won't feel well...take my word for it!
Since we are entering the season of gift making and giving, this popcorn would be perfect for packaging up to gift away.
Just make sure you double the recipe, so you have a little for yourself as well!

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 8 ounces of chocolate squares

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 225ºF. Spray a baking pan with oil, and set aside.

I use a air-popper for my popcorn, and then do my best to remove any unpopped kernels.  
My technique is to use two bowls, shake the the first bowl so the seeds fall to the bottom, and then transfer popcorn to the second bowl by hand, leaving all the kernels behind.

Heat chocolate chips, brown sugar, corn syrup and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling, and keep at a boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla, and baking soda.

Pour chocolate-caramel mixture carefully over popcorn and nuts.

Use tongs or a wooden spoon to incorporate the popcorn and chocolate-caramel mixture as best you're able.  Bake popcorn for 60 minutes stirring popcorn about every 15 minutes.  Try to let popcorn cool before serving, about 15 minutes.

Break cooled popcorn into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container, or pack in a seasonal container for gift giving!

Enjoy!