NUTTY MAPLE POPCORN

NUTTY MAPLE POPCORN 8 cups plain popped popcorn 1 cup pecan pieces, toasted 6 tbs unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups maple syrup 1/2 tsp maple extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon Line a baking sheet. Combine popcorn and nuts in a bowl. Melt butter in a pan. Add maple syrup. Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Add 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil, cook without stirring until 290 degrees. Remove syrup from heat. Stir in maple extract and cinnamon, then pour over popcorn mixture, stir. Season with salt. Spread on baking sheet, cool before breaking into bite size pieces. SERVE