Recipe: Candied Bacon & Peanut Butter M&M's Caramel Corn

Preparation

1. Dredge bacon slices in 3/4 cup brown sugar until completely coated on both sides; arrange on a wire baking rack sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and layer on a baking sheet.
2. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F for 20 minutes, or until bacon is fully cooked and crisp. Immediately transfer bacon to paper towels and drain briefly; chop crisp bacon into small bits.
3. Combine candied bacon bits and popcorn in a large bowl coated with butter or cooking spray; season to taste with salt.
4. Combine white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 240°F.
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Return to heat and continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F. Remove from heat.
6. Carefully add vanilla, baking soda and 1½ teaspoon salt to saucepan and quickly stir to blend. (Mixture with bubble and foam when these ingredients are added to saucepan.)
7. Working quickly, pour mixture over popcorn and stir until blended with a large spoon or tongs sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Add Peanut Butter M&M’S and stir until blended; cool.