Kettle Chip Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients

• 11 cups popped plain unsalted popcorn
• 4 cups Kettle Brand Sea Salt Kettle Chips,
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Sprinkles )

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 250 degrees. Add the popcorn and kettle chips to an extra large mixing bowl, then put it aside.
2. In a 2-quart saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly as the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Once it is boiling, leave it alone for 5 minutes without stirring. It should reach 252 degrees if you are checking with a thermometer. Take the pan off the heat right away, then mix in the vanilla and baking soda until fully combined. The mixture will foam and roughly double in volume.
4. Right away, and carefully because it is hot, pour the caramel over the popcorn mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, taking it out to toss every 15 minutes. If you are using sprinkles, add them immediately when the 1 hour is finished. Let the popcorn cool at room temperature.
6. Put the chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring thoroughly after each one, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
7. Spoon the melted chocolate into a small resealable bag and seal it. Snip a tiny bit off one corner, then drizzle the chocolate evenly over the popcorn.
8. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then break the popcorn into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.