1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. popped popcorn
1/2 c. natural cereal (opt.)

Melt butter, stir in sugar. Put over low heat until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in water and corn syrup. Stirring occasionally, cook to a soft cracking stage (270 degrees on candy thermometer). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then popcorn - mix lightly. Spread quickly in buttered (15 x 10 x 1 inch) sheet pan. Sprinkle with cereal (if used). Press down with spatula, cool until firm