Homemade Caramel Popcorn

7 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup margarine
1/2 cup white corn syrup (Karo)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda


1. Put popcorn& peanuts in a large bowl.
2. In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup& salt.
3. Bring to a boil and boil for 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and soda.
5. Pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. Pour into large cake pans and bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.