a movie and (caramel) popcorn

There are few things better than going to the movies on a Sunday afternoon, getting a fountain drink (if my apartment could fit a fountain soda machine and they made chic looking ones, I'd totally own one), and splitting a bag of popcorn with your movie buddy.  It's something I don't do nearly often enough, but when I do, I couldn't be more content. In fact, I went this past Sunday. While the movie was borderline terrible, the experience was as enjoyable as I remembered it to be.  That being said, sometimes you want something sweet and salty while at the movie theater, but you don't always want to buy popcorn AND a box of candy.  While movie theaters don't offer caramel popcorn as an option (at least the movie theaters I've been to), you can always make your own and bring a little bag of it.  And of course it's also perfect for when watching movies at home.  The recipe is extremely simple (I promise) and it turns out nothing less than DELICIOUS.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14 oz) of caramels (I recommend Kraft caramels)
• 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 12 cups of popped popcorn (or less depending on how much you want to make)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees 
• Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray
• Melt the caramels (easiest way is in the microwave - put the caramels, butter/margarine, and water in a microwavable safe bowl, cover with paper towel, for 2.5-3 minutes (depending on how strong your microwave is), and stir after each minute)
• Combine the popcorn in a large bowl (try to separate from the kernels, because once the caramel is in place it's hard to see the kernels when eating, and you don't want to bite down on kernels) 
• Add the caramel mixture and toss it so all (or most) of the popcorn is covered
• Spread onto prepared baking sheet
• Bake 20 minutes - stirring after 10
• Spoon onto a sheet of aluminum foil or waxed paper
• Let it cool and then break it apart
• ENJOY

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