Favorite Recipe: Chunky Caramel Popcorn

You may not see a pattern to it yet, but today is the Favorite Recipe day.
I was just telling my friend about this Chunky Popcorn recipe shown below and how you make the caramel from scratch. It is so easy to make and really yummy. I actually got this recipe for free in the mail after signing up for recipes from Land O'Lakes.  Good ol' butter!

 via Land O'Lakes

Chunky Caramel Popcorn

12    cups popped popcorn

1     (9.75-ounce) can (2 cups) whole cashews
1     (5-ounce) bag (1 1/2 cups) pecan halves
1     cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4  cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/2  cup light corn syrup
1     teaspoon baking soda

1        cup dark chocolate chips
1 1/2  teaspoons shortening
1/2     cup white baking chips

Heat oven to 250°F. Place popcorn, cashews and pecans in large roasting pan.

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). Continue boiling 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda.

Pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Cool completely. (DO NOT BREAK INTO PIECES.)

Place chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening into resealable plastic food bag. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead bag. Continue microwaving at 15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Repeat with white baking chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening, microwaving on MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power). Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let stand until chocolate is set (3 to 4 hours). Break popcorn mixture into pieces.

Store in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.