STORY BEHIND THE DISH:

When our son, Tim, was in elementary school the room mothers were requested to fix a large amount of popcorn balls for the Halloween Carnival. Since I had not fixed popcorn balls before one of the other room mothers gave me her recipe. This has become a favorite of our family, and a MUST at Christmas time.

DIRECTIONS:

Measure one (1) cup popcorn to pop using any method. Place in large deep bowl. I like to use a large stainless steel bowl that is my bread mixing pan. A metal bowl is preferred so it can be placed in the oven at low temperature to keep the popped corn warm while preparing the syrup.

In a 3 quart saucepan combine all ingredients except the vanilla and boil to hard ball (260 deg F). Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla. Pour over the warm popped corn. Stir until all the corn is coated. Form balls with oiled or buttered hands. Makes about 12 balls.