Candy Popcorn - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn
2 cups caster sugar (aka superfine sugar)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon food coloring (I like to use cochineal to give a pastel pink result)

Preparation

Heat oil in a large pan over a medium to high heat. Add the popping corn and cover. Shake the pan occasionally, until the popping stops. Or, the other option is to use the microwave or a popcorn maker.
Transfer the popped corn to a large bowl, removing any unpopped corn kernels. If you have a seriously large metallic bowl you can later pour in the candy over the top of the popcorn -The bowl must be big enough to be able to toss the popcorn without it spilling over.
Using a heavy based pan, combine the sugar, water and food colouring. Stir over heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved . Use the largest saucepan/boiler that you can find.
Please stand-by the stove whilst the candy is boiling, you will need to stir the mixture frequently. Bring to the boil. Boil uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. The temperature should be 150\u00b0C using a candy thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer drop a teaspoon of the candy mixture into a glass of water- the mixture should crack.
Remove the candy mixture from the heat. Add the popcorn and stir quickly (and I do mean quickly!) to coat the popcorn with the candy.
Spread the popcorn on foil lined trays to cool. Separate the popcorn as it is cooling with a wooden spoon or hands (be careful it is not too hot though!).
Store in an airtight container for 3 - 4 days. The candied popcorn is best eaten after the candy has fully set and dried.