Maple Popcorn - Recipe #46 of 98

1 c Maple Syrup
3 tb Butter
1 ts Vanilla
1 qt Popped Popcorn (4 c Popped, 1/4 c Kernels)

Lightly butter a 9" x 13" baking pan. Set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine maple syrup and butter. Bring mixture to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reaches 275 degrees F (syrup separates into hard, but not brittle, threads when dropped into very cold water). Remove from heat; add vanilla extract. Pour over popcorn. Pack the mixture lightly into the prepared pan; let cool completely. Cut into small squares.