Pops' Great Caramel Corn

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. 2
   Place the popcorn, pretzels and cashews in a large brown paper bag and shake to combine; set aside.
3. 3
   Microwave the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl until melted, about 1 minute.
4. 4
   Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup and microwave until the mixture begins to boil, about 2 minutes.
5. 5
   Carefully stir, then microwave 2 more minutes.
6. 6
   Add the baking soda to the sugar mixture and stir until it begins to foam.
7. 7
   Carefully pour over the popcorn mixture in the bag.
8. 8
   Fold over the top of the bag and shake to coat the popcorn.
9. 9
   Microwave in the bag, 1 1/2 more minutes.
10. 10
    Pour the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Let cool completely before serving.
12. 12
    Photograph by Anna Williams