Chicago Style Popcorn

Jess was at Costco a couple weeks ago and came across most amazing snack food: "Chicago Mix" or "Chicago Style" popcorn... I can't remember exactly because things got blurry after the bag was opened and the food lust took over. This is the ultimate salty/sweet combo mixing caramel and cheddar popcorn.
I have never been to Chicago but it is definitely on my list of culinary destinations.
This popcorn is not something you can whip together before a movie but it is worth the effort and it makes enough to have it kickin around for couple days.
 There is the perfect balance between the two types of popcorn without feeling like you need to visit the dentist from the sweet caramel and like your heart is going to explode form the salt.
I made the caramel corn first because it is more time consuming.

Caramel Corn 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup un-popped popcorn
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

 Directions:

1. Line a couple baking sheets with some parchment paper.
2. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
3. In a large pot with a lid add the 3 tbsp oil and 4 or 5 kernels.
4. Turn you stove on high and wait for the kernels to start popping.
5. Add the rest of the kernels and shake.
6. Try to keep the lid a little askew so that the moisture can escape and you will have nice fluffy popcorn.
7. Keep it moving until it sounds like the the popcorn is done.
8. Separate any un-popped kernels and spread the popcorn out on the parchment paper.
9. In a medium saucepan (preferably non-stick) melt the butter.
10. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.
11. Bring it to a boil and stir constantly.
12. Boil without stirring for 4 minutes.
13. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the soda and vanilla (it will bubble up and look like a science project; this is normal).
14. Drizzle over the popcorn and stir.
15. Put it in the oven and stir every 15 mins for 1 hour.
16. Remove from oven and let cool then break into pieces.

 Cheddar Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup un-popped popcorn
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 5 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese powder
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl mix the spices together.
2. Pop the corn as above and separate the un-popped kernels.
3. While it is hot add the melted butter the sprinkle the spices over top and toss.

Mix the two together and enjoy!