Award Winning Moose Munch Recipe

This is the recipe that won me the Iron Chef Mom award for the ingredient Caramel!

So I thought I would share the recipe again. 

We had some gourmet popcorn that had been gifted to us so I used that.  We also have a really cool WestBend Stovetop Popper that I love.  I couldn't find the directions so I looked up the manual on line.  (I love that you can do that)

To use the Stovetop Popper:  Put 2 Tablespoons of oil and 1/2 cup of popcorn into pan.  Heat to Medium-High and start turning the crank.  Continue turning the crank rapidly the entire time.  The popcorn kernels start exploding in no time, filling the pan.  It takes 3-4 minutes for the popcorn to be done.

Transfer popcorn into a large paper bag, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels. 

Microwave Caramel Corn {click here for printable recipe}

Here's what you'll need:
3-4 quarts popped corn
1 stick of butter (no substitutes!)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup Karo Syrup
1 tsp baking soda - add last

Place stick of butter, brown sugar, salt and corn syrup into microwave safe glass bowl.  Place in microwave and heat on high until it comes to a boil.  Times will vary by microwave so you will want to watch it closely.  Once it comes to a complete boil remove from microwave and stir. 

Return to microwave and cook for 1 minute. 

Remove, add baking soda and stir well.  Mixture will thicken and lighten in color.  Pour mixture over the popcorn inside the paper bag. 

Fold the top of the paper bag down several times to close~  then shake, shake, shake! 
(Go ahead, play some Zumba music here!) 
Shake really well to distribute the caramel and coat all of the popcorn. 

Place entire bag of popcorn back into the microwave and heat on high for another 1 1/2 minutes.  Remove and shake some more.  (Cue Zumba music again)

Once cooled you can pour the popcorn onto cookie sheets and break apart:

Moose Munch Recipe  {click here for printable recipe}

Here's what you'll need:
Caramel Corn (see recipe above)
1/2 bag (or more) mini marshmallows
1 bag milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup (or more) dry roasted or honey roasted peanuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Caramel corn should be broken apart and spread out on cookie sheets. 

Sprinkle mini marshmallows and nuts evenly over the popcorn.

In a glass container mix chocolate chips and vegetable oil.  Heat in microwave for 1 minute intervals.  Remove, stir and repeat until melted completely. 

Use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn, marshmallows and nuts.

Allow to cool.  (I put mine into the refrigerator for a few minutes). 

Break into smaller chunks and enjoy!

Makes a great treat for movie night.  It's a family favorite around our place.  Of course, the caramel corn alone is delicious. 

BUT 

If you want to treat someone to something extra special....

I crafted this little tag...

...perfect for adding to little brown bags and sharing!!!

Now you know my Award Winning MOOSEMUNCH Recipe!

ENJOY!