Now, this recipe is a bit of a modern twist on an old county fair favorite. You know, back in my day, cotton candy and popcorn were the treats you'd save your pocket change for, waiting all year until the fair rolled into town to get your hands on them. This here cotton candy popcorn combines them two classics into one delightful snack. It's perfect for those evenings when the crickets are singing, and the grandkids are hankering after something special. Plus, it's just plain fun to make, and it's a surefire way to bring smiles all around. Let's honor the spirit of the fair with a treat that's as whimsical as it is tasty.

Now, this popcorn is a sweet treat all on its own, but if you're feeling like you want to make a real spread, pair it with some homemade lemonade or a good old-fashioned iced tea. For those looking for something a bit more filling, have some salted nuts or trail mix on hand. And if it's movie night, why, just a big bowl of this cotton candy popcorn will be the star of the show.

Cotton Candy Popcorn
Servings: Serves about 6 folks, just right for a family gathering or a small get-together.

- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, or 1 large bag of plain microwave popcorn as a shortcut
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if popping your own)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A couple drops of pink food coloring (or any color you fancy)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (to keep your sugar from crystallizing)
- 1 tablespoon butter

1. If you're popping your own kernels, heat the oil over medium heat in a large pot. Throw in a few kernels, and when they pop, you know it's time to add the rest. Cover with a splatter screen or a lid askew to let the steam out. Shake the pot occasionally until the popping slows down. Spread your popcorn on a baking sheet to cool and pick out any unpopped kernels.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, and cream of tartar. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and becomes clear.

3. Once your sugar solution is ready, stop stirring and bring it to a boil. Let it bubble away until it reaches the soft-crack stage (that’ll be about 270°F on a candy thermometer). Watch your pot, sugar can be a tricky thing and turn on you quickly.

4. Remove from the heat, and carefully stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Stir it gently; you don't want to create sugar crystals.

5. Drizzle your sweet cotton candy glaze over the popcorn and gently toss until evenly coated. Do this quickly before the sugar hardens.

6. Let the cotton candy popcorn cool before serving. This stuff can be sticky, so I recommend using wax paper to separate layers if you're storing it for a spell.

- Go ahead and try different colors! Every batch could be a new hue from a delightful palette.
- If you got a sweet tooth, you could toss in a cup of mini marshmallows right after you coat the popcorn with the glaze.
- Store it in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.
- If you have little ones helping or just want to keep the mess to a minimum, butter your hands before mixing the popcorn with the glaze. It helps, I tell you.

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