Mrs. Van's Popcorn Balls

By KRed

Mrs. Van lived across the street from my family in Sobieski when I was growing up. She made these every year for trick-or-treaters and to give out at Christmas. I have been crazy about them since I was a little boy! After Mrs. Van died my Mom kept the tradition going every Christmas; we've had these delivered to us in Minnesota, New York and California, as well as having plenty to munch on whenever we're back in Sobieski around the Holidays. My Mom wraps them with colored cellophane and ties the ends with ribbon. We finally got the recipe for ourselves in 1997.

Ingredients

• 6 quarts Popcorn (air popped is best)
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup white corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation

Step 1

Make 6 quarts of popcorn. Melt the butter, then add sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring continually. Add vanilla. Pour butter mixture over popcorn and let stand for 5 minutes. Butter hands and form balls. Wrap balls in colored cellophane paper or wax paper, and tie ends. Do not use plastic wrap; they will get soggy.