Ingredients:

  • 12 cups popped plain popcorn
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method, sift through to remove unpopped kernels, spread into a large bowl, and toss with salt.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil; stop stirring once it boils and continue heating until the color shifts to a light mahogany-gold.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and fold gently with a spatula to coat evenly without crushing the kernels.
  6. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly until it is safe to touch but still pliable.
  7. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, scoop approximately ¾ cup of the mixture, and firmly press into a 3-inch ball.
  8. Place the balls on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet to cool completely.