Homemade Cracker Jacks

Are you sick of treats and candy yet? Well, I am. After today I only have a couple more fun treat recipes for you and then I will be moving back to posts on regular stuff like actual meals and holiday appetizers. I think I got a little carried away with all of this sugary goodness.

In the meantime, we are on to another treat. My husband's family calls this popcorn recipe "Grandma Beth's Microwave Popcorn". I think it's very similar to cracker jacks. My hubby is the one who makes this whenever we have it and I personally think that the way he makes it is genius (it all has to do with a brown paper grocery bag--- read the recipe below).

Grandma Beth's Microwave Popcorn

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup butter (not margarine)

1/3 cup Karo syrup

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

5-6 quarts popped popcorn (popped in an air popper)

1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts (we used almonds in the popcorn pictured above- you can use any kind of roasted salted nut)

Before making the caramel mixture, pop your popcorn. You want to end up with 5-6 quarts of popped corn. Measure 20 double handfuls into a large brown paper grocery sack. We use the handful measuring method so that we can sift out old maids and discard them as we go.

In a 1 1/2 quart bowl, stir together the first four ingredients (brown sugar through salt). Bring to a boil in the microwave. Once it has come to a boil, microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda until combined (it will bubble up). Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn in the brown paper bag. Add your roasted salted nuts to the bag at this point. Working quickly, fold down the top of the bag and shake well.

Put the brown paper bag into your microwave and cook for another 1 1/2 minutes. Remove bag and shake again. Return to the microwave and cook for 1 1/2 more minutes. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and cool. It will get hard and crispy as it cools. Break apart and eat!

This popcorn is super easy to make because it is all done in the microwave, and it is fun to eat. It would make the perfect Christmas goodie for any person who loves edible gifts (in my opinion).

Happy Holidays!

This week I'm partying at!