Popcorn Liberty Bell

Ingredients

• 2 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 3/4 cup light molasses
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• String licorice

Instructions

1. Keep popcorn hot and crisp in a 300 degrees F oven.
2. Butter sides of a heavy 3 quart saucepan. In it, combine brown sugar, molasses, butter, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Clip candy thermometer to pan. Cook syrup to 250 degrees F (hard-ball stage).
4. Pour slowly over popcorn, stirring just to mix thoroughly.
5. Butter hands lightly; quickly form popcorn balls into bell shape.*
6. To apply finishing touches: make loop from licorice strings and insert in top of bell.
7. Heat a little corn syrup; brush on side of bell; press licorice strings in place to resemble the crack in the bell.

Notes

* Or lightly butter a deep slant-sided mixing bowl and an 8 inch pie pan; pack with glazed popcorn. Unmold and press two parts of bell together.