Cook's Note: Reel NW's Popcorn Pairing for "Between the Laughter" sweetly sets up bacon as the most delicious punchline.

makes 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 pieces crispy bacon, finely chopped (OK to substitute vegetarian bacon)

Preparation

Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside. Grease or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter and salt, and stir constantly. After the butter melts, continue to stir and cook for 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat, and stir the hot syrup for 30 seconds to cool. Moving quickly, drizzle half of the hot syrup over the popcorn, mixing well to coat. Drizzle the rest of the syrup over the popcorn and continue to stir. Add the bacon and toss to combine. Transfer the warm popcorn mixture onto the rimmed baking sheet to cool.