RED HOT POPCORN--GOOD

RED HOT POPCORN--GOOD
6 quarts of popped popcorn (2-3 large bags of microwave popcorn)
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt (optional, i use microwave popcorn so i don't)
1 package cinnamon red hot candies (12 oz)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Spread popcorn in a lightly buttered roasting pan or cookie sheet. bake at 250º while preparing syrup.
pour cinnamon candies into a 2 cup measure. fill remaining space to the top with sugar.

Place in a heavy pan; add butter, salt & corn syrup. bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.
remove from heat; carefully stir in baking soda.
pour over popcorn, stirring to coat. (you don't have to use all the mixture.)

Continue to bake at 250º for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
remove from oven; let cool. break into pieces; store in an airtight container