I've been craving old-fashioned candy-coated popcorn, so I made some today. The easiest way is with a mix for the glaze (Hard Candy Mix). But in the absence of such mix, you can easily make your own with a few ingredients and a cheap candy thermometer (even Wal-mart has them, so you have no excuse) Here's how:

7-10 cups popped popcorn (the microwaveable bag kind will do just fine)
1/2 pound nuts or candies (optional)

1 3/4 C sugar
1/2 C water
1/2 C light corn syrup

food coloring

1/2 tsp candy flavoring oil
1 TBSP butter

Pop popcorn. Remove unpopped kernels and place in large bowl. Add nuts or candies, if desired.

In heavy saucepan, mix first sugar, water and corn syrup until sugar dissolves. Cover and bring to rapid boil. Remove lid, place candy thermometer in pan and bring to 250 degrees. Add food coloring and cook to 295 degrees, then remove from heat. Cool a few minutes, then add flavoring and butter. Pour over popcorn and mix with heat-safe spatula that has been coated with butter.

Spread on baking sheet or silicon mat to cool. Break apart and eat. To make popcorn balls instead, use buttered hands to form into balls before mixture cools.

*as with all candy-making, remember that the liquid candy is VERY hot and takes a while to cool. Handle with extreme care to avoid serious injury.