DIY Gift #5: Choco-Caramel Corn

CHOCOLATE COVERED CARAMEL CORN
This makes a yummy gift for anyone on your list!

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
7 quarts popped corn
1 Roasting pan
Waxed Paper

1 cup Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 large marshmallows, cut in quarters
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup peanuts (optional)


INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare Caramel Corn:

Combine brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt in a saucepan.

Boil 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and add the baking soda and vanilla.

Stir well and then pour over popped corn in a large roaster. (If you have to put into two large tinfoil buttered roasters, it will be easier to stir in two pans.)

Bake in oven at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Pour onto waxed paper and cool.

Break up into pieces.

Chocolate Coating:.

1. Melt chips, marshmallows, butter and water for about four minutes in the microwave, stirring until smooth. (You can do this on the stove top too, just melt until very smooth.)
   
2. Place the cooled caramel corn and peanuts, if using, in a large roasting pan.
   
3. Toss chocolate over the caramel corn and toss well.
   
4. Spread out again onto the waxed paper to cool, separating the pieces.