Caramel Corn

My mom taught me how to make homemade caramel corn this weekend.  When we were growing up she made it often and it was such a treat.  I haven't had it in years and I finally learned how.  It was so delicious, figured I would share it with you.

2 cups unpopped popcorn

cooking oil

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Make popcorn over medium-high heat.  Pour into a large oven safe bowl.  Over medium-high heat melt butter.  Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Bring to a bowl stirring constantly.  Once boiling, let boil without stirring for 4 minutes.  Remove from heat add baking soda and vanilla and stir well.  Pour over popcorn and mix well.  Place in the oven, stir every minutes 15 minutes for an hour.  Turn oven off after an hour and let caramel corn harden for thirty minutes.  Remove and break into small pieces.