2 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
8 qt. popped popcorn

Combine all ingredients except soda and popped corn in heavy saucepan. Bring to boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add soda. Let it foam up well, stirring; pour over corn; mix well. Spread on large flat pan. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and store in tightly covered containers.

Optional: You may add nuts to this. Add with popped popcorn; pour over caramel mixture and mix up.