Molasses Gorp Popcorn Logs

1. Remove all unpopped kernels from popped corn. In a greased 17x12x2-inch baking pan combine popped corn, peanuts, chocolate pieces, and raisins. Set pan aside.

2. Butter the sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan. In the saucepan combine sugar, water, molasses, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat to boiling, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar. This should take about 5 minutes. Avoid splashing mixture on sides of pan. Carefully clip candy thermometer to side of pan.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 250 degree F, hard-ball stage. Mixture should boil at a moderate, steady rate over entire surface. Reaching hard-ball stage should take about 10 minutes.

4. Remove saucepan from heat; remove candy thermometer from saucepan. Pour sugar mixture over the popcorn mixture; stir gently to coat the popcorn mixture. Cool until popcorn mixture can be handled easily. Use buttered hands to shape mixture into 3-inch logs, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in clear plastic wrap. Makes about 36 logs.