The kids will love these treats! Just whip up a batch of popcorn balls, then add a few gummy candies and candy corn for a fun festive look.

Silly Popcorn Treats

18 cups popped popcorn
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup light-colored corn syrup
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Gummy candies, candy corn, etc.

1. Remove all unpopped kernels from popped popcorn. Put popcorn in a greased 17 x 12 x 2-inch baking or roasting pan. Keep popcorn warm in a 300 degree F oven.
2. For syrup mixture, butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. In saucepan combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils, stirring to dissolve sugar (about 6 minutes).
3. Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Reduce heat to medium; continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 250°F /120°C, hard-ball stage (about 20 minutes).
4. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer. Stir in vanilla. Pour syrup mixture over the hot popcorn and stir gently to coat, adding candies. Cool till the popcorn mixture can be handled easily. With buttered hands, quickly shape the mixture into 2-inch diameter balls. Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap.

Makes about 20 popcorn balls.

Recipe provided by Better Homes and Gardens - BHG.com a member of the Home and Family Network for the best of cooking, gardening, decorating and more. © 2003 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.