Add chocolate and dried cranberries to the classic mix of caramel corn and peanuts for an addicting sweet-salty snack. Break the finished mix into bite-size pieces or form into small balls. Tie them up in ribbon-wrapped cellophane for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
8 cups freshly popped popcorn (remove any unpopped kernels)
1 cup roasted salted peanuts
1 cup red and green M&M candies
1 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Line large rimmed baking sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. Combine popcorn, peanuts, candies and cranberries in large bowl.
2. Bring all remaining ingredients to a boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Cook 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and syrup is boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; boil, without stirring, 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture turns light caramel color. Boil an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until syrup is rich golden brown. (Watch carefully as syrup can darken quickly.)
3. Remove from heat. Pour over popcorn mixture; stir quickly to blend well. Immediately spread on baking sheet, spreading out as much as possible and using two forks to pull apart any clumps. Cool 15 minutes or until warm; break into pieces. Cool completely. (Snack mix can be made 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container.)
14 cups
PER 1/2 CUP: 175 calories, 7.5 g total fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 2 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate, 10 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 1 g fiber