Making easy and fun treats to share with coworkers, neighbors, friends and family is not only cheaper, but full of love.

In this season of giving, I enjoy making and sharing these gifts, from freeze-died candies, fruits, yogurt snacks more than buying.  Makings, soaps or scrubs, candied popcorn, and of course caramel corn. So, lets spread the cheer, it's holiday caramel corn time!

CARAMEL CORN FOR GIFTS

Nothing tastes better than family favorites treat, and classic caramel corn has such nostalgic memories. This was just one of the many treats we made when I grew up. November and December brought cookies, fudge, homemade caramel, caramel corn, and more. This was a family tradition, and we made it every year. My mom would take it to many Christmas parties, and it was always a big hit and requested by friends and family. We often added peanuts, but this recipe I am sharing is peanut free, I included the measurements for adding the nuts, if you wish.

Caramel Corn

6 quarts popped popcorn

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup of butter

½ cup of corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking soda

Optional 2 cups dry roasted peanuts

Turn on your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pop the popcorn

I recommend an air popper but pop the corn however you need to pop it. Pick out the un-popped kernels and discard. Add 6 quart popped corn to a large bowl. Set aside in the pan or pans.

I used a large disposable turkey pan but you can also use (2) 9 x 13 baking pans. You need to grease the pans to keep the popcorn from burning. I did not need to coat the disposal turkey pans.

Make the caramel sauce

In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt over a medium high level. Stirring continuously and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add in the vanilla and baking soda, mix well. This caramel sauce will be hot and fluffy.

Create the magic

Put your popcorn in the pan or pans. If you are using nuts add those as well. Pour your Hot caramel over the popcorn and mix well. Pour into the pan/pans and put the pans into the heated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes and stir every 15 minutes. Once done, have waxed paper on your counter, pour out your caramel corn over the paper. Break up clumps and let cool completely. Keep airtight containers

Caramel corn is fresh, sweet, and crunchy. Enjoy this delicious and nostalgic treat!

Gifting the caramel corn is not only easy but with PackFreshUSA’s Stand-up Pouches you can create a little Holiday magic. For a Family size gift, the XL Stand-up Pouch will be perfect. 5 mil Silver/Clear Stand Up Pouches and 5 Mil Stand Up Pouches Black & Clear. The large Stand Up Pouches come in a variety of colors, the hardest part is picking the one you like best. Silver/Clear is a classic and also a great choice for a great gift for office coworkers, and neighbors. You have more choices of colors. 

I use an oxygen absorber to keep the caramel corn fresher longer. The XL bag would need to use a 300cc oxygen Oxygen Absorbers in 10-Packs | PackFreshUSA absorber and the Large would use a 200cc Oxygen Absorbers, Compartment Packs | PackFreshUSA.

Customize your gift with stickers you can place on the front of the Stand-up Pouches to match the season. You can also add a tag using the hang hole to create a hint of Christmas with a note or decoration with a pretty ribbon.

I used brown card stock as a backing and found nice labels. I also went a step above and purchased Avery Reinforcement Labels and used a black Sharpie to color it from white to black. I put that over the hole I created in the brown card stock. You can use your choice of ribbon to attach the label with the Stand-up Pouch. I used a simple wired ribbon and curled it by creating loops to hold in in the hang hole and the hole in the label.

So now that your caramel corn is a wrap, you are set to create other wonderful treats and gifts that just may create a tradition of your own.

Happy Holidays,

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert

Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA

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