The kids will love this stuff and adults like it too. It is my own version of the expensive Harry and David’s “Moose Munch.” It is fast, easy, the kids can help and it is yummy. This also makes great Christmas gifts for neighbors and friends. Just store where it will stay dry.
[B]CRITTER CRUNCH
2 microwave bags of popcorn popped (any type)
1 cup roasted peanuts (I used honey roasted but you can even use dry roasted or cashews or other nuts too as long as they are roasted and not raw)
1 cup lt brown sugar (don’t use dark it will be too strong tasting like burnt sugar)
1/2 c butter (use butter not margarine)
1/4 c light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 tsp shortening
Pop both bags of corn and put them and the cup of nuts in a very large bowl or you can use a big paper bag with the top rolled down.
place chocolate and shortening in small bowl and microwave 90 seconds then stir until chips and shortening are completely dissolved and set aside.
place sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt in microwave safe bowl, micro one minute, stir it up well, then if butter is not all melted, another 1 minute and restir, then 2 minutes so 4 minutes total. Remove and stir in baking soda, pour over popped corn and nuts and stir it up well getting the nuts, which will fall to the bottom incorporated into the sticky carmel.
place bowl or bag into microwave, microwave 45 seconds and stir or close bag and shake well, then another 45 seconds and again stir or shake and then 30 seconds and stir or shake for a 3 minute total.
pour mixture out onto a baking sheet. Drizzle chocolate over the entire popcorn/nut mixture and let dry and cool. Store in a covered container and enjoy!!![/B]