IllinoisFarmBureau

5 quarts air-popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

3. Allow mixture to boil for an additional five minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda, vanilla and pepper.

4. Pour mixture over popcorn, in a thin stream and stir to coat. Spread coated popcorn on cookie sheets and bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

5. Cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.