Smiling Skull Popcorn Treat

Source: startribune.com

Serves 6 to 8.

You need a candy thermometer for this recipe.

12 cups popped popcorn
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons butter, cut into thin slices
2 teaspoons caramel candy flavoring (optional)
    (available in specialty food stores)
Black gumdrops

Lightly coat a skull-shaped pan with cooking spray or, if pan is unavailable, spray a double sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil shaped into form of a skull. Set aside.

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in 3-quart heavy saucepan. Add butter and place pan over medium heat, stirring with wooden spoon until all sugar dissolves. Wash down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped in hot water. Use candy thermometer and continue cooking until temperature reaches 240 degrees F. Remove from heat and stir in caramel candy flavoring.

Pour sugar mixture over warmed popcorn and toss with 2 forks until corn is evenly coated. Spread into prepared skull form and press slightly to hold popcorn together. Carefully unmold onto foil-covered board or cookie sheet. Set aside to completely harden.

To decorate, use rolling pin and roll out black gumdrops. Cut out gumdrops to form eyes, nose and mouth.

Nutrition information per 1/8 serving: Calories310; Carbohydrates73 g; Protein1 g; Fat3 g; including sat. fat2 g; Cholesterol0 mg; Sodium73 mg; Calcium4 mg; Dietary fiber2 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 5 other carb. exch., and 1/2 fat exch.