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To make Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn, you will need the following: - 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1 cup unpopped kernels) - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 2 cups packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews) - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) - Sea salt to taste Gather these ingredients before you start. Popped popcorn is the base of this sweet treat. You can pop your own kernels or buy pre-popped popcorn. Unsalted butter gives the caramel a nice rich flavor. Brown sugar and corn syrup work together to create that gooey caramel we love. Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet touch. Baking soda helps aerate the caramel, making it light and crunchy. Mixed nuts bring a delightful crunch and flavor. If you want, add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Finally, sprinkle sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty balance. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a snack that everyone will love! Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe to make your Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn. First, you need to set your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat will help the caramel popcorn crisp up nicely. Next, prepare a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to keep the popcorn from sticking. Now, let’s pop the popcorn. You can use an air popper or the stovetop method. If you use the stovetop, heat some oil in a pot. Add popcorn kernels and cover. Once you hear the popping slow down, remove it from the heat. After popping, make sure to sift through the popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels. You want only the fluffy, popped pieces! To make the caramel sauce, take a medium saucepan. Melt one cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add two cups of packed brown sugar and half a cup of light corn syrup. Stir well to combine. Now, let this mixture come to a boil. Do not stir during this time! Let it boil for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns a beautiful caramel color. This step is key for the right flavor and texture. After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Watch out because it may bubble up. Next, it’s time to coat the popcorn. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula to gently toss the popcorn. Make sure every piece gets a nice coat of caramel. Now, add one and a half cups of mixed nuts. Toss them in with the popcorn to mix well. Spread the popcorn mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly. Now you are ready to bake! Place the sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This stirring helps the caramel coat the popcorn evenly and prevents burning. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely. If you like, drizzle melted chocolate chips over it and sprinkle with sea salt before breaking it into clusters. Enjoy your Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make great caramel, timing is key. Boil your sugar mixture for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely for a rich, golden color. This means you have the right texture. If the caramel gets too dark, it can taste burnt. To avoid this, use a thermometer. The perfect temperature is around 240°F. When pouring the caramel over the popcorn, be quick. Use a spatula to fold the popcorn gently. This helps ensure each piece gets a nice coat. If you mix too hard, you might break the popcorn. Take your time and be gentle to keep everything whole. You can serve Moose Munch in fun ways. Try using clear bags tied with ribbons for gifts. Or, fill a big bowl for parties. For a special touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top. This adds a sweet twist and looks great. You can also sprinkle sea salt for a nice contrast. Enjoy your tasty treat! {{image_2}} You can make Moose Munch without nuts. This is great for those with allergies. Instead of mixed nuts, try seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. These add crunch and flavor. You can also use other popcorn additives. Think about adding toasted coconut or pretzel pieces. These swaps keep the snack fun and safe. Want to change up the taste? Consider seasonal flavors. Pumpkin spice is a hit in fall. You can mix in chocolate peanut butter for a rich twist. Try combining dark and white chocolate for extra fun. You can even mix in candies like M&Ms or Reese's Pieces. Each choice adds a new layer of flavor. You can lighten up this treat, too. Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use a sugar substitute to cut calories. For a gluten-free version, make sure your popcorn is certified gluten-free. You can also skip the nuts and use puffed rice for crunch. These changes keep the joy of Moose Munch while making it a bit healthier. For the full recipe, check out the section above! To keep your Moose Munch caramel popcorn fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. These containers protect the popcorn from air and moisture. Store it in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is great. This keeps it crunchy and tasty. Moose Munch caramel popcorn stays fresh for about one week. After that, the flavor may fade. If your popcorn loses its crunch, don't worry! You can re-crisp it easily. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) again. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet. Heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the texture. Be sure to keep an eye on it. You want it warm, not burnt. To avoid moisture, always seal your container tightly. If you notice any soft spots, re-crisping will help. Enjoy your delicious Moose Munch caramel popcorn fresh every time! Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn can last about one week when stored correctly. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is dry to avoid moisture. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw at room temperature before eating. Yes, you can make Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn ahead of time. It’s a great snack for parties or gifts. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the popcorn crisp and fresh. If you want to make it even earlier, you can pop the corn and store it separately from the caramel until you are ready to mix them. For gifts, you can use clear cellophane bags or decorative boxes. Fill the bags with the popcorn and tie them with a ribbon. This looks nice and keeps it fresh. You can also use mason jars for a fun touch. If you want to add a personal note, attach a tag with the recipe or a sweet message. Moose Munch makes a great gift for friends and family! You now know how to make Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients and followed simple steps to create that delicious caramel goodness. Remember, the right cooking time is vital for perfect caramel. You can enjoy many variations, from nut-free options to healthier swaps. Store your popcorn well to keep it fresh. You can even package it nicely for gifts or special occasions. Enjoy your tasty treat and share it with friends!

- Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn

Indulge in the deliciousness of Moose Munch Caramel Popcorn with this easy recipe! In just a few simple steps, you can create a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for any occasion. With buttery caramel, mixed nuts, and optional chocolate chips, this popcorn will be a family favorite. Click through now to discover how to make your own batch and enjoy every delightful bite! Perfect for movie nights or party snacks.
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Ingredients
  

12 cups popped popcorn (about 1 cup unpopped kernels)

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Sea salt to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, pop the popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method, ensuring all kernels are popped and unpopped kernels are removed.

      In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup, bringing the mixture to a boil.

        Allow the mixture to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a caramel-like color.

          Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.

            Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn, using a spatula to gently toss and coat each piece evenly.

              Add the mixed nuts to the popcorn and toss again to combine.

                Spread the caramel popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

                    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. If desired, drizzle melted chocolate chips over the cooled popcorn and sprinkle with sea salt before breaking it into clusters.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 10-12 servings