The originator won $10,000 for charity with this recipe. I like how you can substitute the raisins and apricots for any dried fruit you have on hand. I also like to add pretzels.
1 (3.5 ounce) bag of good quality microwave popcorn like Newman's or Redenbacker's, ultra light variety
1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
2 Tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease a 9x13 metal baking pan. A 1/2 baking sheet will also work. Don't use a pan with a thin bottom. Pop the popcorn according to package directions. Pour popcorn into a large bowl. Here is where I make sure to not add any unpopped kernels. Add the peanuts and sunflower seeds. Mix well, set aside.
In a 1 quart measuring cup, or something similar that will be safe to handle, combine brown sugar, butter, honey, and salt. Microwave uncovered for 1-2 minutes. Stir and microwave until it boils. Stir in baking soda. Pour syrup mixture over popcorn mixture and stir until well mixed. Place mixture in a well greased pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and add dried fruit. Stir well. Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Cool. Store in a tightly sealed container.
