Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls
3 qts. popped popcorn (un-popped kernles removed)
2 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 C. water
1/4 C. corn syrup
pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Place the popcorn in a large bowl.
In a heavy bottom saucepan, mix together the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt and vinegar.
Bring to a simmer and allow the mixture to reach 250 degrees. (this should take 15 minutes.)
Remove from the stove and stir in the vanilla.
Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Stir well being careful not to burn yourself. This syrup is VERY HOT.
Stir to coat the popcorn. Remove from the pan and pour onto a piece of parchment paper.
The mixture will begin to cool quickly. Be carful not to touch the pockets of hot syrup hidden in the popcorn.
Butter your hands and form into baseball size balls. Place on the parchment paper and allow to cool.
Store in airtight bags or in an airtight container.