Arrange two oven racks in the top and bottom third of the oven. Preheat your oven to 250º.
Make the Popcorn using an Air Popper or your preferred method (not microwave popcorn)
Fry the diced Bacon until crisp, then Drain well.
Melt 1 cup of Butter in a 2-quart saucier or saucepan over medium heat.
Mix in Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup and Sea Salt. Stir well.
Lower the heat slightly and let boil, stirring occasionally, until the Caramel is 250º.
Remove from heat and add the Baking Soda and Bourbon.
Once fully incorporated, stir in the Bacon. Wow!
Divide the Caramel Popcorn into two very lightly greased roasting pans or very large rimmed baking sheets. Add the yummy Caramel Sauce and stir well to coat thoroughly. Be sure to spread the popcorn into an even layer. You will have clumps of popcorn and that is ok, just break up the clumps.
Place the pans of popcorn the into the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring to mix every 10-15 minutes so all the popcorn kernels are coated in Bacon Bourbon coating.
Cool the Caramel Popcorn. Once done, pour Caramel Popcorn onto either parchment paper or wax paper to cool completely and break into pieces. Serve or store in an airtight container.
From Salt and Light Blog | Adapted from Kentucky Derby Website
*What is a "saucier"? Post coming soon.