Baseball Season Popcorn Mix

# What You'll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)

→ Nuts

02 - 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts

→ Caramel

03 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter

05 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup

06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

08 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Place the popped popcorn and roasted peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.

03 - In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

04 - Let the caramel boil for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam.

05 - Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and peanuts. Using two spatulas or wooden spoons, toss until the mixture is well-coated.

06 - Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

07 - Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

08 - Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Break into clusters before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

It tastes homemade in the best way, with that real caramel flavor that store-bought versions can't quite capture.
You can make a massive batch for almost nothing, then watch people reach for just one more handful.
The whole process takes barely an hour, and your kitchen smells like a carnival for days afterward.

02 -

Never skip the cooling time—if you try to break it apart while it's still warm, you'll end up with a sticky mess that won't separate properly.
The baking soda is non-negotiable for texture; it's what transforms a chewy candy into something crispy and crunchy that actually stays that way.

03 -