POPCORN SNACKS MIX RECIPES

Steps:

• Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

Steps:

• Place a large (8-quart) pot over high heat and add the oil. The oil should just cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil until it's rippling but not smoking, then add the popcorn kernels and shake the pot so the kernels form a single layer on the bottom. Place the lid on the pan and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Once the kernels start popping, shake the pan every so often and listen to the pace of the popping: The kernels should pop rapid-fire and should continue as one long continuous burst. As soon as the popping slows to a few kernels at a time, turn off the heat. (If you find that your kernels are popping just a few at a time for a long time and aren’t picking up speed, take a peek and see if the kernels are getting too dark without opening: You might need to start again if they’re starting to burn. It’ll be worth the redo!)Remove the lid and immediately add salt or other seasonings; tap the pot up and down to distribute the salt. Pour half the popcorn into a large serving bowl, then salt the remaining popcorn in the pan and add to the bowl.