ROOT BEER POPCORN CRUNCH

8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup salted nuts
2 cans (12 oz each) root beer
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter 2 baking sheets.

Combine popcorn and nuts in a buttered bowl. Set aside.

Pour root beer slowly down side of heavy saucepan (to prevent foaming). Add sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt. Stir gently, but well. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar melts. Cook to 290 degrees F, (hard crack stage).

Pour in a fine stream over popcorn and nuts. Toss gently until popcorn is coated.

Spread onto prepared baking sheets and separate with a fork. Cool.

Makes 12 cups