Carmel Corn Party Favors!

Ahh, birthdays. Don't we all just secretly love em? Special phone calls and cards, an extra shot in your coffee, flowers with your pedicure, and dinner out. For kids its the party with cake and ice cream, friends over and games, streamers and balloons, and goodie bags. What's not to love? Wait, did someone say "Goodie Bags?"

Yes! We have become a generation of moms plagued with the ever troublesome, ever growing expectation of "the goodie bag." Really, I could do with out this silly little extra, but the kids anxiously anticipate giving out these special thank you treats. This year the arrival of Payton's birthday and party came shortly after the arrival of the unexpected layoff notice.

Hummm. I can do this! But how do I do this economically and still create a fun and special treat?

I sat with my cup of orange spice tea and pondered my dilemma for a while. I riffled through the craft drawers to see what hidden treasures lay waiting to be discovered. Stamps, stickers, glitter, beads, ribbons, lots of cellophane bags...... and then out of know where, the idea just popped into my head. Carmel Corn! Who doesn't love Carmel corn? I have a fabulously easy to make recipe that also happens to be a very inexpensive treat. This was the perfect solution for my little girls Teddy Bear Picnic birthday party. This recipe can easily be made in about 15 mins. and for roughly a dollar a batch. You just can't beat that, even at the dollar stores.

Follow these simple steps to a successful and delicious crowd pleaser.

1. Begin with 20 cups of air popped popcorn

2. In a microwave safe bowl combine 1/2 c. butter, 1/4 c. corn syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 c. brown sugar

3. Microwave on high for 2 mins. then stir.

Microwave again on high for 2 more mins. and stir well.

4. Add in 1 tsp vanilla and

1/2 tsp baking soda and

stir well till thick and foamy

5. Pour hot mixture over popcorn in the bag and shake well.

Microwave 1 minute and then shake well

Microwave for another minute and shake well again.

Microwave 30 seconds, shake well

Microwave 30 more seconds and shake well.

6. Spread out over cookie sheets to cool. Then break apart and put into baggies or 1 big airtight container.

The result is amazing and you will be shocked to discover how easy it really is. Go ahead and try it! No birthday party in the near future? Lucky you! Not really but still, no problem. Plan a game night or have a special movie night at home with your family. Or better yet, make it for the next summer night bonfire or camp out. Watch out! It is fairly addictive.