Skip the movie theater and still indulge your kids' popcorn cravings -- this extra-crunchy version (with some sweetness) will make them applaud right at home.

4 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking sheet

10 cups plain unsalted popped (from 1/2 cup kernels or a 3.3-ounce bag microwave popcorn) popcorn

1 cup cashews, coarsely chopped (optional)

1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar

Coarse salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter a large rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl; if using cashews, add to bowl and toss to combine. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil, stirring constantly. Working quickly, drizzle popcorn with sugar syrup, and toss.
Spread popcorn evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden and shiny, about 40 minutes. Transfer hot popcorn to parchment-paper-lined baking sheet; let cool.