Sriracha - Caramel Popcorn

A Valentine's Day that falls on a Friday...how perfect is that?!  But you know what?  I think we're going out for dinner this special eve.  We don't go our for dinner as a family often, but I really enjoy not having to cook every once and a while.  Someone else can cook it up, bring it to our table, and do all the clean up...and I love them for it!
Waiting patiently in the pantry, will be this delicious caramel-y concoction.  It might not be popcorn for dinner this Friday night, but this spicy & sweet Sriracha - Caramel Popcorn is gonna make for an awesome midnight capper snacker.

Sriracha Caramel Popcorn
Adapted from The Kitchn

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2-3 Tablespoons Sriracha

Preheat the oven to 250°F.  Spray baking sheet with oil or line with parchment paper, and set aside.  I used my Whirly-pop to make the popcorn.  Melt the coconut oil, add the popcorn kernels, and turn the crank until popping stops.
transfer popcorn to bowl, and give it a shake so all the unpopped kernels fall to the bottom.

Using a medium sized pot, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add to the butter the sugar, bring to a boil, and keep it there for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, and scraping the sides as you stir.  Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add in the salt, baking soda and sriracha.  The caramel will froth up - and that's okay!  Continue to stir until caramel is thick and glossy.
Transfer about half of the popped popcorn using your hands to the prepared baking sheet, taking care to leave the unpopped kernels behind.  Slowly pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and stir to coat. Add second half of popcorn, and repeat.
Place baking sheet in preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring and breaking up clumps every 10 minutes.   Remove from oven, and allow to cool right on the baking sheet.  Transfer to an airtight container for storage, or commence the feeding frenzy!

Happy Valentine's Day!