Popcorn Balls

I remember when I was really little Mom would make us popcorn balls and we just loved them! 

I haven't had them for years! So I looked up a recipe and gave it a try and they turned out pretty good! 

POPCORN BALLS:

 9 cups plain popped popcorn

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup light corn syrup

1/3 cup water

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.

Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.

 Place over heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260°F on a candy thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until melted and smooth.

Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.

Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture into 3-inch rounds. Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.