Chicago Mix Popcorn

My family and I are a bunch of popcorn junkies. Buttered, cheese, sweet, savory, as long as its my hand putting it into my mouth I am happy. Who am I kidding, it could be YOUR hand putting it into my mouth and I'd be happy! As long as it's clean right? :)

I saw this popcorn featured on Food Network one time from the Garrett popcorn company and knew it would be amazing (salty and sweet? Yes please!). Then I went to Vegas and they were selling some and I just had to try it... Pure popcorn love. Then Nadia G from the Cooking Channel had a PMS episode, a girl after my own heart, and she made Chicago Mix Popcorn. Call it fate, or destiny, but I knew then that it was time to try my hand at it.

Who knew making caramel popcorn was so easy?

It probably shouldn't have been me since now I want to find any excuse to make it...

Popcorn:
1 cup popcorn kernels
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Cheese Topping:
4 Tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Nacho Cheese powder

Caramel:
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 stick unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

First start by making your popcorn. You can do this in an air popper, microwave, (or our favorite) over the stove top. Separate the popcorn into to large heat proof bowls (about 6-8 cups popped in each bowl).

Start by making the cheddar popcorn and melt your butter in the microwave. Slowly drizzle some butter over the top, sprinkle with the cheddar seasoning and mix. Continue this process until all of the popcorn has a nice coating of cheesy goodness. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

For the caramel popcorn, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Whisk until melted together and starting to bubble. Let the mixture bubble over medium high heat for 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and sprinkle with baking soda. Swirl the pan gently to incorporate the baking soda.
Pour over your prepared popcorn and using spoons, toss well (do not use your hands as it is VERY hot!). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread caramel popcorn onto it in a single layer. Place into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring the popcorn at every 10.
Remove from the oven and when cool enough to touch, break up with hands then let cool completely.

In a large bowl, toss together the cheese and caramel popcorn's and enjoy!

This popcorn mix is beyond addicting! Trust me, all of that popcorn will be gone before you know it. Ya know... Just speaking hypothetically and all...