Breakroom Caramel Corn

This delightful recipe comes from the lovely and vivacious Erica Torgerson. Not only is it delicious (my YW all gave it "two thumbs up"), but it can be made in the microwave! So with a little planning ahead you could, theoretically, make it in the breakroom at your place of work. No special equipment needed!

brown grocery bag
2-3 packages microwave popcorn (or about 2 batches in an AirPop popcorn maker)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Pop the popcorn and scoop into the paper bag. (Try keep out most of the unpopped kernels--you don't want to see your dentist any more than you have to.)
2. Mix butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a microwaveable bowl with high sides (the Gladlock Tall Entree container works well because you can watch through the clear sides). Microwave about a minute, then stir. Carefully watch and continue to microwave on high heat until mixture is a full rolling boil, then about a minute more.
3. Remove bowl from the microwave and stir. Add vanilla, salt and baking soda and stir again. Allow bowl to set for at least two minutes and mixture will rise and foam because of the baking soda.
4. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn in the bag. Fold the top tightly (but not too far down) and shake to coat popcorn.
5. Serve in a large bowl or straight out of the bag. Yum!