Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment.

In a medium sauce pan combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, peanut butter, water, and salt.

Keep stirring mixture, over medium high heat, until mixture comes to a boil and then reaches 250 degrees with a candy thermometer.

This will take about five minutes (incase you don't have a candy thermometer).

Remove mixture from heat and add the vanilla and baking soda (note: the mixture will begin to foam up) stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Coat the inside of a large mixing bowl with plain cooking spray.

Add the popcorn, pretzels, and cashews to the bowl.

Pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn mixture a little at a time.

Stir after each addition until everything is coated evenly.

Be super careful with the sugar mixture it will remain nuclear throughout the entire coating process.

Spread the popcorn mixture evenly over the parchment lined pan.

Bake for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

When the popcorn is completely cooled transfer to a large mixing bowl, break into smaller even pieces with your hands.

Stir in the M&Ms, then EAT!!!

Adapted from the Homemade Cracker Jack recipe by Browneyed Baker