6 qts. popped corn
1 c. butter
2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. light or dark corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (optional)

2 tablespoons household measure of unpopped popcorn makes approximately one quart of popped corn.

Coat the bottom and sides of a large roasting pan with a non-stick vegetable spray. Place popped corn in the roasting pan. In a heavy pan slowly melt the butter; stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla. Gradually pour over the popped corn, mixing well.

Bake the popcorn mixture at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove the popcorn mixture from the oven; cool completely. Break apart and store in a tightly covered container.

For a special treat: melt the chocolate and pour over the baked caramel corn. Stir until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator and break into clusters. Makes about 6 quarts.