Red Hot Popcorn Firecrackers

1 quart unsalted popped popcorn
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup red cinnamon candies
String licorice

Keep popcorn hot and crisp in a 300 degree F oven. Butter sides of a heavy saucepan. In it, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Clip candy thermometer to pan. Cook syrup to 250 degrees F (hard ball stage) over medium heat.

Remove from heat; add vanilla extract and candies; stir until candies are partially melted. Pour slowly over popcorn, stirring just to mix thoroughly. Butter hands lightly; quickly form popcorn into shape of king-size firecrackers. Insert a short piece of licorice in end of each one for a fuse.

Yield: 4 to 6 firecrackers