Cracker Jacks or Caramel Popcorn

Makes: 8 Cups

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cub butter
3 Tbsp corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp vanilla
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts (Optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Combine first four ingredients over low heat until butter is melted. Stir a few times then let bubble for about three minutes. Remove from heat. Add baking soda and vanilla. Pour over popcorn and peanuts. Mix well, spread on cookie sheets. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool until chewy but not hard. Loosen into smaller chunks and pour into bowl. (If you don't break it apart when it's still chewy, it will become a huge, hard clump.) Let cool then serve.