Red Hot Popcorn Firecrackers

Yield: 4 to 6 firecrackers

Ingredients

• 1 quart unsalted popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup red cinnamon candies
• String licorice

Instructions

1. Keep popcorn hot and crisp in a 300 degrees F oven.
2. Butter sides of a heavy saucepan. In it, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Clip candy thermometer to pan. Cook syrup to 250 degrees F (hard ball stage) over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat; add vanilla extract and candies; stir until candies are partially melted.
4. Pour slowly over popcorn, stirring just to mix thoroughly.
5. Butter hands lightly; quickly form popcorn into shape of king-size firecrackers.
6. Insert a short piece of licorice in end of each one for a fuse.