Description

It's that time of year when festive snacks are a must. Enjoy this at home or give as hostess gifts or to teachers, co-workers or friends.

Ingredients

• 12 c. popped plain popcorn
• 1 1⁄2 c. chopped toasted walnut pieces
• 1 1⁄2 c. chopped toasted pecan pieces
• 1 1⁄2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 1⁄2 c. light brown sugar, packed
• 1 t. salt
• 1⁄2 c. maple syrup
• 1⁄2 t. baking soda
• 1 t. pure vanilla extract
• 12 oz. bag dark chocolate chips

Steps

1. Toss popcorn and nuts together in a large roasting pan or two 9x13 inch pans in a single layer; set aside.
2. Caramel Coating:
3. Melt butter over low heat in a large heavy saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, salt and maple syrup. Bring butter mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Insert a candy thermometer into the pan, without the tip touching the bottom of the pan. Boil mixture slowly, without stirring, until temperature reaches the soft crack stage, about 285 degrees F. This could take at least 45 minutes, but watch thermometer temperature carefully.