Lantern Cracker Jack

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
2. 2
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 3
   Spread the popcorn, rice and peanuts evenly on the sheet pan and set aside.
4. 4
   In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, five-spice powder and baking soda and set aside.
5. 5
   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. 6
   Add the brown sugar, sorghum and salt and stir to dissolve.
7. 7
   Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook until the syrup reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
8. 8
   Immediately remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and sesame-seed mixture.
9. 9
   Stir quickly with a wooden spoon to combine.
10. 10
    Pour the hot syrup evenly over the popcorn and nuts.
11. 11
    Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to coat evenly.
12. 12
    Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.