Pina Colada Popcorn Crunch

Pina Colada Popcorn Crunch

8 cups popped popcorn
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup instant coconut cream pudding
3/4 teaspoon rum extract
1/2 cup diced dried or candied pineapple
1/2 cup coconut *

* To toast coconut, spread coconut in a thin layer on a shallow baking pan. Bake in a 250 degree F oven for 6 to 7 minutes or till light brown, stirring often.

Remove all unpopped kernels from popcorn. Place popped popcorn in a buttered 17 x 12 x 2-inch baking pan. Keep the popcorn warm in a 300 degree oven while making the coating.In a small saucepan melt the butter or margarine. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the corn syrup, pudding mix, and rum extract. Remove popcorn from oven. Pour the syrup mixture over the popcorn. With a large spoon, gently toss the popcorn with the syrup to coat. Bake popcorn, uncovered, in a 300 degree F oven for 15 minutes. Remove popcorn from oven and stir in the dried pineapple and the coconut. Bake the popcorn mixture, uncovered, 5 minutes more. Turn the mixture onto a large piece of foil. Cool the mixture completely. Serve popcorn immediately or store, tightly covered, in a cool, dry place.