Great Balls of Popcorn!

You thought I was done? Not quite yet.

I thought I'd share this traditional Halloween treat with you.  Popcorn Balls. I'm old enough to remember when old ladies would hand these out as treats in your Trick or Treat bag.

I try to make them every year, and I've finally found a recipe I really like.  I found it here, but I've copied below for ease.

Ingredients

7 quarts popped popcorn

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring, optional (I don't use any food coloring)

Directions

Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven.

In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage).  I've tried using other methods to determine "soft-ball" stage, but I've found a thermometer is invaluable.

Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated.

When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking. (I use butter on my hands to prevent sticking)

How does this relate to a garage sale find?  I use this Westinghouse Betty Furness Candy Thermometer I bought at a garage sale.

Betty Furness was an RKO actress who never quite made leading lady status.  In the 40's, she found difficulty finding work.  In 1948, she substituted as a spokesperson for Westinghouse on "Studio One".  They liked her and kept her on. She eventually earned a salary of $100,000 per year.

Don't forget, you have a few more hours left before Halloween leaves us to head over to The Countdown and visit the other bloggers and see what they have cooking.