Caramel Popcorn

Finally-I know...here is the caramel popcorn recipe!

This is for about 7 quarts of plain popped popcorn...not the microwave popcorn.
2 cups dry roasted peanuts...really, I use a lot more than 2 cups
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup   the original recipe calls for light, I use dark...so take your pick!
a dash of salt
1 cup butter
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Place the popcorn and peanuts in 2 baking pans. Set aside.
Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat stirring. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. It will be light and foamy. Immediately, pour over the popcorn in the pans and stir to coat.
Bake for one hour, removing the pans and stirring every 15 minutes.
Lay out waxed paper on the counter and dump the popcorn out onto the waxed paper. Separate the pieces and let cool. Store in airtight containers and enjoy!