CARAMEL DRIZZLE FOR POPCORN RECIPES

Steps:

• Grease two large cookie sheets.
• Place popcorn and peanuts in large paper bag. Set aside.
• In a glass bowl, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt.
• Microwave for 4 minutes until bubbly.
• Stir in baking soda.
• Pour over the popcorn in the bag. Fold over the top of the bag and shake. Shake until the the coating is evenly distributed.
• Roll down the edges of the bag and place bag in the microwave for 2 minutes, stopping every 40 seconds and shaking to mix.
• Spread mixture onto prepared sheets to cool.
• In a small glass bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave 90 seconds, stirring once, until melted.
• Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let cool.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250°F. Place popcorn, cashews and pecans in large roasting pan.
• Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). Continue boiling 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda.
• Pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Cool completely. (DO NOT BREAK INTO PIECES.)
• Place chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening into resealable plastic food bag. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead bag. Continue microwaving at 15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Repeat with white baking chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening, microwaving on MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power). Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let stand until chocolate is set (3 to 4 hours). Break popcorn mixture into pieces.
• Store in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.
• Chocolate and white baking chips can be melted separately with shortening in a small bowl in microwave or in small saucepan over low heat until melted. Drizzle chocolate mixtures with fork or spoon.