Creepy Candied Corn

Name: Creepy Candied Corn
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 7 quarts.
Ingredients: 3 packages (3.3 ounces each) butter-flavored microwave popcorn; 1-1/3 cups sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 5 drops green food coloring, optional

I couldn't stop eating this popcorn when I first tried it at a friend's party. My generous pal offered the recipe, and now I bring it to gatherings often. Color your corn an eerie green hue to add a spooky effect at Halloween. —Courtney D Wilson, Fresno, California

Ingredients

3 packages (3.3 ounces each) butter-flavored microwave popcorn
1-1/3 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 5 drops green food coloring, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 250°. Pop popcorn according to manufacturer's directions. Transfer to two very large bowls; discard any unpopped kernels.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir 3 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and, if desired, food coloring. Pour over popcorn and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer on greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans.
Bake 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Remove from pans and place on waxed paper to cool. Break into clusters. Store in airtight containers.