Snow day recipe: Caramel Corn

Did you wake up to a whole bunch of snow?  We certainly did. 

And what better excuse to make yummy things in the kitchen?

First up: caramel corn.

The contenders:

1 tbsp. oil
40-50 caramels
3 tbsp. butter
1/2-3/4 cup popcorn (enough to cover the bottom of a large pot, one kernel deep)

Pop the popcorn the old fashioned way on the stove:

Add the oil and one kernel of popcorn and listen for it to pop.  When you hear the pop, add enough popcorn to make a single layer of kernels.  Gently shake the pot side to side a few times to coat the kernels with oil. 

Once you add the popcorn, be sure to vent the lid of your pan so the popcorn doesn't turn out soggy.

Melt the caramels, butter and water over medium heat.  Keep stirring!

Pour the caramel mix over the popcorn.  Keep stirring until the popcorn is evenly coated.

Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with Pam.  Yes, that's a Zhu Zhu Pet on the counter. 

Spread the popcorn evenly over the cookie sheet.

And bake for 20 minutes, stirring half way through.

Spread it over wax paper to cool and try not to eat it all at once.

Happy snow day!  :)