Snack: Chewy Caramel Popcorn and Pretzel Bars

Rich caramel and marshmallow holds chunks of popcorn and pretzels together forming a sweet and slightly salty bar that is sure to delight both children and adults.

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
12 c. plain popped popcorn (from 1/2 cup kernels or 2 microwave packages)
4 c. coarsely chopped small salted pretzels (7.5 ounces)
2 c. sugar
Coarse salt
.67 c. heavy cream
2 c. miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss together popcorn and pretzels. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water to a boil over medium-high. Boil, undisturbed, until mixture is amber in color, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat and slowly pour in cream (mixture will sputter). Immediately add marshmallows; stir until melted.
Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pretzels and quickly stir with a rubber spatula to coat. Transfer mixture to dish and use a piece of plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to press evenly into dish. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Let cool completely before cutting into 12 bars. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes, apple pie recipes, and chocolate cake recipes.

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