Old Time Popcorn Balls

 "A favorite treat, very popular with my family, hope it's just as popular with yours."  Original recipe yield: 15 - 20 tennis ball sized 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.

Popcorn Cake I

 "Fun 'cake' for kids! Adults love it too! Use different color M&Ms for various holidays (i.e., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.)."  Original recipe yield: 1 bundt cake.

INGREDIENTS:

4 quarts popped popcorn
1 pound candy-coated chocolate pieces
1 cup peanuts
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup butter
1 pound marshmallows

DIRECTIONS:

Mix popcorn, M&Ms, and peanuts in large bowl.
Heat oil, butter, and marshmallows in pan until melted. Pour over popcorn and blend together with heavy spoon or hands.
Spray Bundt cake pan with vegetable spray. Press mixture lightly into pan and refrigerate until cool.
To remove cake from pan, put pan in warm water, then turn upside down until cake comes out.