Samoa Popcorn

These took a little bit of work, but are totally worth it! I am a big fan of the samoa cookies that they sell at Girl Scouts time, but didn't realize that there is a knock off kind made by Keebler. Pretty close to the same and pretty tasty! :) They are worth the effort of adding to this recipe! Enjoy!

Somoa Popcorn
(recipe found on pinterest via cookiesandcups.com)

2 bags of light popcorn, popped (or equivalent of 2 bags)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
12 tablespoons butter, cubed
4 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sweetened coconut
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1 package samoa Cookies

Pop popcorn and set aside in a large bowl. Put coconut in cold skillet and heat to medium low. It will take 10-15 minutes or so for it to toast up, watch it carefully because once it scorches easily. Once it is a light golden color remove from heat and set aside. Chop cookies into small bit-sized pieces and set aside. On counter or a nearby table line a few sheets of wax paper so you can spread you popcorn onto it when mixing the caramel. You don't have to do this, but it makes it easier. To make the caramel combine the butter, brown sugar, water and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Whisk ingredients together and bring to a boil. Preheat oven to 200. Boil without stirring for approx 5 minutes until candy thermometer reads 250. If you don't have a candy thermometer, 5 minutes is just about the right amount of time. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in baking soda and vanilla. Pour your caramel over your popcorn and stir until it's all coated. Now pour popcorn onto waxed paper and sprinkle coconut on top of popcorn evenly. (I skipped this step and just spread it out when I put it into the baking pan.) In a large roasting pan or baking sheet bake popcorn in oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Now spread you popcorn back onto the wax paper and sprinkle chopped cookies evenly on top. Melt semi-sweet chocolate in microwave until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Drizzle melted chocolate on top of cookies and popcorn. Let the chocolate set and break apart.