Popcorn Clown

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Green food coloring
• 5 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
• Colored sugar crystals
• Large gumdrops
• Jelly rings
• 1 licorice string
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
2. Remove one cup of hot syrup; add green food coloring and mix well. Pour over two quarts of popcorn and stir to coat. Press into buttered 9 inch square pan to a depth of 1 inch.
3. Pour remaining syrup over the other three quarts of popcorn. When well-coated, form three small balls, 2 inches in diameter; roll in colored sugar.
4. Press remaining coated popcorn into buttered 10 inch springform pan to a depth of 1 inch.
5. When popcorn is firm, remove from pans.
6. Roll gumdrops and cut to make a mouth; use large gumdrop for nose; jelly rings for eyes, and cut licorice string and shape into eyebrows. Cut popcorn in 9 inch pan diagonally in half to make two triangles. Form hat by curving 9 inch uncut edge of one to fit head. Cut remaining triangle in half; trim to make bow tie. Secure hat, colored balls and bow tie to clown head with toothpicks.