Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Popcorn

Treats for our class kiddos :)

Hubby's friend's Mom makes the most delicious caramel popcorn at Christmas time and gave us the recipe as part of a wedding gift~ we were very happy :)

Here's our chocolate hazelnut version:

Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Popcorn

• 3 bags microwavable popcorn (I've used kettle corn & light butter, both great)
• 1/2c butter
• 1/2c light corn syrup
• 1/2 lb brown sugar
• 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk (fat-free works just fine)
• 4T Nutella
• 4.5oz chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Pop the popcorn and divide it between two large bowls (if you have one ginormous bowl it all fits in, good for you!). 

Spread chopped hazelnuts on a small pan and toast in oven until golden brown (around 8 minutes), watching closely and stirring once in a while.

In a heavy duty pot (I used my Martha Steward dutch oven), heat together the butter, corn syrup and brown sugar until soft ball stage (250F), stirring continuously. Remove from heat and mix in the milk. Pour over popcorn and stir, along with the nuts.

Heat your Nutella in the microwave for about 10 seconds until melted. Place some wax paper on your counter and spread the popcorn onto it in a thin layer. Pour the Nutella into a small ziploc bag and cut a small hole in the corner. Use this to drizzle the Nutella all over the popcorn. Let that harden. And done :)