DIY- cracker jacks

I made this recipie tonight. It tastes EXACTLY like cracker Jacks...only better, b/c it's fresh!

Ingredients

• 7 quarts plain popped popcorn
• 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
3. Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.
4. Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

I used Organics Popcorn- 2 bags
Mixing the ingredients together- I used Smart Balance "margarine"
Let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly
The color/texture will change when you add the vanilla and baking soda.

Don't worry if all the popcorn isn't covered. Put the popcorn in the oven @ 250...stir every 10 minutes.
After an hour of stirring...it will look like this. Let it cool completely before putting it in a bowl:)

MMMMMM!!!!