Popcorn Balls

I love popcorn balls. We use to have neighbor who made us popcorn balls and they were so good. This is a couple of popcorn ball recipes I found. Note the slight difference in ingredient measurements and cooking. This photo of a popcorn ball was lucky to have seen the light of day! I had taken a big bite out of one side before I thought to take the photo! This popcorn ball was imported from Woodward, Oklahoma and privately made at Vicky's Holiday Candies. I can't wait for her other goodies at Christmas.

Grandma's Popcorn Balls
Ingredients

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar (optional)
5 quarts popped popcorn


Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.


Old Fashion Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts popped popcorn
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
Butter the sides of a large saucepan. In the sauce pan combine the sugar, water, salt, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook over medium heat to the hard ball stage 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Stir in the vanilla and slowly pour the hot mixture over the popped popcorn, stirring just to mix well.
Butter hands lightly and shape into balls. Mixture will be hot so be careful. Place balls on waxed paper to cool.

Just so you will know this was the soft and oh so wonderful kind of popcorn ball.