Flavoried Candied Popcorn

 You can make this any color and any flavor.  The kids love it!  

FLAVORIED CANDIED POPCORN

Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if using a hot air popper, you won't need the oil)

*1/2 cup popcorn kernels ( divide it in half and pop two batches)

*2 cups granulated sugar

*1/4 cup water

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/2 cup of light corn syrup

*1 (.125 oz) bottle of flavoring oil for strong flavors (cinnamon, licorice, mints, etc)

  2 (.125 ounce) for mild flavors (green apple, cherry, banana, bubble gum, etc)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*food coloring gel or paste 

Directions:

~Pop your 1/2 cup popcorn in 1 tablespoon oil,  remove any kernels.

~In a large pot, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons butter,  1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

~Stir in 1 (.125 oz) of flavoring.

~Cook over medium heat, stirring mixture until it comes to a rolling boil.

~Allow to boil for around 5 minutes, without stirring.

~Remove from heat and a small amount of food coloring and mix well.

~Pour about 1/3 of the mixture over divided popcorn, and stir well.

~Repeat two more times, until all of the mixture is mixed well over popcorn.

~Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

~Place popcorn in a single layer on baking pan.

~Repeat process again using different color food coloring.

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Bake candied popcorn for 30 minutes (stirring every 10 minutes).

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. 

~Break apart any pieces that may be stuck together.

~Store in a cool dry place.

Flavor and Color Ideas:

`green = wintergreen, sour apple, watermelon

`yellow = banana, lemon, butter popcorn, butterscotch, maple

`red = cinnamon, cherry,  strawberry

`pink = bubble gum, cherry, tutti fruiti

`blue = cotton candy, blue raspberry, blueberry

`orange = orange, caramel, maple

`purple = grape

`brown = coffee (or use 2 tablespoons instant coffee), chocolate, root beer