Caramel Almond Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, + more for pans
• 3/4 cup corn kernels
• 2 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups almonds, lightly toasted
• 2 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Butter two baking sheets; set aside.
2. Place corn kernels and oil in large pot, partially covered, over medium heat. Once popping begins, shake pan frequently; when popping slows down, about 3 seconds between pops, remove pan from heat and uncover. Transfer popped corn to a large bowl; add almonds. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and corn syrup over medium-high heat; stir to dissolve sugar and melt butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until it reaches 255 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove pan from heat; stir in extracts, salt and baking soda. Working quickly, pour over popcorn and almonds; toss with wooden spoons while rotating the bowl. When completely coated, divide evenly between prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour and 20 minutes; popcorn will crisp when cooled.