Ingredients

  • 3 -4 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 34 teaspoon baking soda
  • 18-14 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 14-12 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, to taste
  • 1 12 cups sugar
  • 1 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, less if using table salt
  • 14 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  • Mist a large bowl with cooking spray, pour in the popcorn and sprinkle the pecan halves across the top.
  • Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda, cayenne pepper and pumpkin pie spice.
  • In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, butter, salt and 1/4 cup of water.
  • Cook over high heat without stirring for 10-14 minutes, until the mixture becomes a light golden-yellow caramel.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Next, carefully whisk in the baking-soda mixture.
  • Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn & quickly toss the caramel and popcorn together until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  • Spread the popcorn onto two large baking sheets, break apart any large clumps, and allow to cool to room temperature.