Caramel corn is the perfect snack- a little sweet, a little salt and a lot of crunch! This is super easy and tastes great. For a fun way to serve it, I found cute little red-striped popcorn bags and boxes at The Party Source.

Cooking spray
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 bag microwave popcorn, popped
1 cup peanuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 300ºF. Generously spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large, deep pot combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and vanilla extract.

Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add popcorn, stirring to coat. Stir in nuts, if using. Spread on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with little bit of salt. Bake at 300ºF for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool. Break into bite-size pieces. Store in covered container.