Paula Deen's Popcorn Balls

By mikeimmell

Homemade popcorn balls are easy to make. Just pop some popcorn, make the caramel and mix. Make sure to lightly grease your hands so the popcorn doesn't stick to your hands.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 18 cups popped corn

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook over high heat until mixture reaches 255°F , or hard-ball stage on a candy thermometer. Carefully stir in vanilla. Note: be careful when adding the vanilla, as it might bubble up the sugar mixture.

Pour over popped corn, tossing gently to coat.

Lightly grease your hands with butter. When mixture is cool enough to handle, press popcorn into 3-inch balls with.

Cool completely on waxed paper.