Nutty Popcorn Snack Mix

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda 
• 2 cups brown sugar packed
• 1 cup butter 
• 2 cups candy-coated chocolates 
• 0.5 cup plus dark
• 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts 
• 16 cups popped popcorn 
• 5 cups pretzel twists mini
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan
• oven
• roasting pan
• wax paper
• candy thermometer

Directions

1. Combine popcorn and pretzels in a large roasting pan; set aside.
2. Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil.
3. Continue cooking and stirring 4 to 6 minutes, until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, or 234 to 243 degrees on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat, stir in baking soda and vanilla.
5. Pour over popcorn and pretzels in pan; add peanuts. Stir until mixture is coated well.
6. Bake at 200 for 20 minutes; stir.
7. Bake for an additional 25 minutes. Immediately spoon onto wax paper, let cool completely. Break into pieces; store in an airtight container. Makes about 24 cups.