Peppermint Popcorn

3 quarts freshly popped plain popcorn, unseasoned

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/8 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)

Arrange popcorn in a shallow baking or roasting pan. Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan.

Stir in sugar, salt and corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Boil, without stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract and green food coloring.

Pour over popcorn in baking pan and stir to mix well. Bake in a preheated 250-degree oven for 1 hour, stirring 3 to 4 times. Cool completely and store in tightly covered containers