Microwaved Caramel Corn

Place 3 quarts popped corn into a paper grocery bag. On the stove, using a medium-sized kettle, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil (on medium to medium-high heat), stirring once or twice. Boil for exactly 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add baking soda, stirring well.

Pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn. Roll the top of the bag to close it, then microwave for 1 minute. Pull the bag out quickly and thoroughly shake the bag for maybe 5 to 10 seconds. Put the bag back into the microwave, cook for 1 minute, then pull out and shake again for another 5 to 10 seconds. Cook again for 1 minute, then pull out and shake the bag one last time. Pour onto a large pan (pizza pans or large cookie sheets work well) to cool. Be sure to break it apart after a couple of minutes. Then it is ready to eat!

Hints:

1. Karo Light Corn Syrup produces the best color and result.
2. Do not alter the cooking time on the stove for the caramel mixture. It is important to set a timer and follow it closely.
3. If your microwave is really powerful, decrease the one minute intervals to 50 seconds each instead.
4. Each paper grocery bag can be used for up to two batches.
5. Keep oven mitts nearby for the microwaving process. The bag can get really hot!
6. This is a great and fun group project. One person popping corn with an air popper. One person at the stove making caramel sauce. One person doing the microwaving and shaking. Another person to help empty the bag contents onto a baking sheet to cool and to break apart the corn as it cools. And of course, at least one to several people for “quality control” to make sure it tastes good.