5 Minute Caramel Popcorn

I've been busy preparing for the holidays.  I like to have everything done by Thanksgiving so I can just enjoy my family and bask in the spirit of Christmas.  So I'm about 75% done Christmas shopping at this point and my Christmas cards are ordered.  I'm working on a fun Christmas project (that I will post once it's done). 

But when I get busy and I'm on my computer for a lot of the time our kitchen gets a little lonely.  These are the days when we eat cereal or ramen noodles for dinner and there are literally no treats in the house.   Sad, sad.  So, I like to whip up this amazing caramel popcorn, that literally takes 5 minutes.   5 minutes!!!  Now who doesn't have 5 minutes to make a yummy little treat?

5-minute Caramel Popcorn
1 bag microwave popcorn
1 c brown sugar
1/4 c corn syrup
1/2 cube butter
2 tsp water
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)

Prepare microwave popcorn as directed, then set aside in a bowl.  Combine, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and water in  a medium saucepan.  Cook on a high heat stirring till butter is melted.  Once it reaches boiling, let it boil for 1 minute more.  Remove from heat, stir in baking soda and vanilla.  Then pour immediately over your popped corn.  Stir till coated, then spread it out on a buttered cookie sheet.  Let cool a little bit (though it's hard to resist eating it right away).  Then enjoy!!

I got this recipe from a friend while swimming at her house last summer.  She wasn't sure where the original recipe came from.  As always, just trying to give credit, where credit is due.