Kettle-Style Caramel Corn

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, margarine, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; cook and stir over medium heat just until boiling and sugar is dissolved. Stir in vanilla.

Place popcorn in a shallow roasting pan. Drizzle brown sugar mixture over popcorn; toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring once. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Transfer to a large piece of foil or a large roasting pan; let cool for 1 hour. Immediately place in an airtight container; cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.