Fry the bacon in a skillet until brown and crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, chop into small pieces and toss with the maple syrup.

Measure out the reserved bacon grease into a measuring cup. If you don’t have 1/4 cup of grease, add vegetable oil to make a full 1/4 cup.

Put the cooking grease/oil in a large pan and add the corn kernels. Sprinkle with the sugar and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Heat the stove to medium heat, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and wait until you heat the first couple of kernels pop.

Once the popping begins, use two pot holders to hold the lid on the pot and shake the pot, then return to the burner. Continue to do this often throughout the popping process, everyone minute or two. This will help ensure the sugar doesn't burn.

Once the popping is done, remove the lid and salt the popcorn with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a large spoon to stir the popcorn. Pour in the bacon and maple syrup mixture. Toss together and serve.