Popcorn Clown

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Green food coloring
5 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
Colored sugar crystals
Large gumdrops
Jelly rings
1 licorice string
Toothpicks

Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove one cup of hot syrup; add green food coloring and mix well. Pour over two quarts of popcorn and stir to coat. Press into buttered 9-inch square pan to a depth of 1 inch. Pour remaining syrup over the other three quarts of popcorn. When well-coated, form three small balls, 2 inches in diameter; roll in colored sugar.

Press remaining coated popcorn into buttered 10-inch springform pan to a depth of 1 inch. When popcorn is firm, remove from pans. Roll gumdrops and cut to make a mouth; use large gumdrop for nose; jelly rings for eyes, and cut licorice string and shape into eyebrows. Cut popcorn in 9-inch pan diagonally in half to make two triangles. Form hat by curving 9-inch uncut edge of one to fit head. Cut remaining triangle in half; trim to make bow tie. Secure hat, colored balls and bow tie to clown head with toothpicks.