DARK CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL CORN

DARK CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL CORN 10 c. popped popcorn 1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tbsp.) 6 Tbsp. light corn syrup 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. sea salt 1 c. dark chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. shortening Put popcorn onto a large rimmed baking sheet. In a medium saucepan, mix brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils. Continue boiling at a moderate rate, without stirring, 4 1/2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla. our mixture over popcorn; stir gently to coat. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Stir mixture and add 1 tsp. sea salt. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. Spread caramel corn on a large piece of buttered foil to cool. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. sea salt. Once cool, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a small saucepan or the microwave and drizzle over caramel corn. Sprinkle with a small amount of additional sea salt, if desired.