Popcorn Brittle

Part brittle. Part caramel corn. All good.

cooking spray
5 1/2 cups air popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
3 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Set aside. Put popcorn in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Set aside.

Combine sugar, syrup, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook about 1 minute until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Cook without stirring until candy thermometer reads 270 degrees, about 8 minutes. Stir in molasses and butter and cook until thermometer reads 290 degrees. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Stir popcorn into the boiling syrup mixture. Working quickly, pour popcorn mixture into prepared pan. Spread to 1/4 " thickness with a wooden spoon coated with cooking spray. Let cool completely. Break into large pieces.