Popcorn Balls - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 2/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. hot water
2/3 c. dark corn syrup
2 tsp. vinegar
2 tsp. vanilla
12 c. popped popcorn (remove any unpopped kernels)

Preparation

Combine sugar, hot water, corn syrup and vinegar in 3-quart casserole.
Microwave at High 35 to 40 minutes, or until hard crack stage (300\u00b0 to 310\u00b0), when syrup separates into hard, brittle threads when small amount is dropped into cold water, stirring 3 or 4 times.
Stir in vanilla.
Pour syrup over popcorn, stirring to coat.
Quickly shape into balls, using buttered hands. Place on wax paper; cool completely.
Wrap each in plastic wrap.