Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

• 12 cups popped popcorn, kernels removed
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup white corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups hot water
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Place popcorn into a greased large heat proof bowl; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, dissolve sugar and corn syrup in hot water. Cook over medium heat, uncovered, without stirring, until firm-ball stage is reached (245ᵒF on a candy thermometer).
3. Add vinegar and vanilla to sugar mixture and continue to cook until hard-ball stage is reached (250ᵒF on a candy thermometer).
4. Pour sugar mixture over top of popcorn, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with salt, stirring until mixture starts to cool.
5. Working quickly with buttered hands, shape popcorn into balls. Cool completely on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.