posted by BeckyB 11-29-101 5:49 AM
Ooey Gooey Popcorn Balls
2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup candy-coated milk chocolate pieces, optional
Combine popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl; toss gently and set aside.
Combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring gently. Cover and cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals from sides of pan. Uncover and cook over medium heat, without stirring, to hard-ball stage, about 254 degrees.
Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
Pour hot syrup evenly over popcorn mixture, stirring well with a wooden spoon. Let cool slightly; stir in candy pieces if desired.
Oil (or butter)hands and shape mixture into 3-inch balls. Place balls on waxed paper to dry. Wrap balls individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a cool, dry place.