Popcorn Balls - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, corn syrup, butter and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 270 degrees.
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
Pour over popcorn; stir until evenly coated.
When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into balls.
Wrap in plastic wrap.