Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix

With ingredients like real, thick-cut smoked bacon, crunchy toasted pecans, dried cranberries and pure maple syrup, this sweet and savory popcorn snack is sure to be a hit.

Recipe Ingredients:

8 cups popped popcorn
6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
8 cups popped popcorn
2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon maple extract

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line jellyroll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes until ends of bacon start to curl.
3. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon.
4. Combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries in large bowl.
5. Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
6. Spread popcorn mixture in jellyroll or roasting pan.
7. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm.

Makes 2 quarts; 8 (1 cup) servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Popcorn Board.