Think outside the normal Christmas gift box and get creative!

I love making homemade Christmas gifts for friends and family this time of year.  The problem is I decide what I’m going to make too late. Every year I rush around my kitchen baking, I run to the craft store, I design gift tags and then viola it comes together just in time- thank goodness. This year is no different.

I took on the challenge of making a caramel corn recipe from a friend. My popcorn popper is popping kernels and popcorn all over my kitchen, the corn syrup and brown sugar needs a constant stir and in between the 15 minute intervals it takes to bake I’m running to my computer to finish up the last Christmas card orders. I’m thinking I’m totally crazy, which I am.

Every year I receive her caramel corn and hog it all to myself. It’s seriously delicious.  So instead of hogging it again this year I thought I’d spread the yummy-ness! Spread holiday cheer with caramel corn and adorn the gift with a hand written, home made tag.

Enjoy!

2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1.2 tsp. soda, 8 qt. popped corn

Combine first 4 ingredients, bring to a boil over low heat and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla and soda. Pour over popped corn; mix well. Spread in a greased roasting pan, bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on wax paper to cool. Store in airtight containers.