Popcorn Touchdown Centerpiece with Chocolate Coated Bananas

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn
Licorice string
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
8 bananas, cut in half
16 wooden skewers

Combine sugar, water, salt, corn syrup and vinegar; cook to hard ball stage (250 degrees Fahrenheit). Add vanilla and pour over popped popcorn; mix well. Shape into football centerpiece. Use any remaining popcorn for popcorn balls to pack for a game-time snack.

Cut licorice strings into one 8-inch piece and five 3-inch pieces. Lay 8-inch piece of licorice lengthwise along top of football. Place 3-inch pieces crosswise to form lacings. In heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat. Insert skewers into cut ends of bananas. Brush chocolate coating on bananas with pastry brush. Place chocolate bananas on cookie sheet; freeze 2 hours. At serving time, carefully remove from cookie sheet; stick skewers into popcorn football.

Note: If freezer space allows, bananas may be frozen upright by sticking skewers into an empty milk carton.