Cane Syrup Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/3 cups cane syrup
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 quarts popped corn, lightly salted
• 3/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

In a saucepan, melt sugar, syrup, water, vinegar, and salt over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 260°F, approximately 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully so mixture does not boil over.

In a very large bowl. combine popcorn and peanuts. Cover a work surface with waxed or parchment paper. When syrup mixture is ready, turn off heat and stir in butter and baking soda.

Pour abut 2/3 of the syrup over the popcorn and set remainder over very low heat. Mix popcorn well with a wooden spoon. Butter hands and form mixture into balls, setting on a prepared surface to cool, working quickly to prevent the syrup from hardening. If mixture does not hold together, mix in the remaining syrup.

Cool and serve, or wrap individually and store in an airtight container.