Old Time Popcorn Balls - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 qt. popped popcorn
1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. molasses
1/3 c. water
1 Tbsp. butter

Preparation

Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until the mixture reaches 235\u00b0 on a candy thermometer (soft ball stage).
Add baking soda and stir well.
Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated.
When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-inch balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent syrup from sticking.