Favorites: Soft Caramel Corn

Have you ever wondered if these two men are related? Perhaps even the same person?

I was thinking that when I was looking at Orville's picture on his box of popcorn.

But onto the recipe - the reason you clicked on this link, right? This is likely my most requested recipe. And quite possibly one of the easiest. People adore caramel corn. Call me nostalgic or just plain annoying, but I only make the gooey, buttery, sweet stuff during the autumn season. That's what makes it so special, right? Although I do enjoy a bag of Orville's Tender White microwave popcorn, my favorite and preferred brand for this recipe is Pop Secret's Homestyle microwave popcorn. It pairs perfectly with this recipe and you have less "old maids" as they say.

Soft Caramel Corn

1 cube butter (no substitutes)
1 lb light brown sugar
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine all ingredients; cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 215-218 degrees. Stir frequently. Pour over microwave popped popcorn (4-5 bags).

If forming popcorn balls, cook to soft ball stage, around 224 degrees. This will make the caramel slightly firmer.