caramel corn popcorn balls

   Yesterday my hubby suggested that the boys might like to make popcorn balls...and I thought it would be a fun Fall activity to do so I checked for recipes and checked my pantry and discovered that I lacked corn syrup to make the traditional recipe. I love to experiment with cooking and I had a recipe I thought I could play around with...so I substituted honey in the recipe and I think it turned out yummy!

              STICKY CARAMEL CORN POPCORN BALLS

3/4 c honey
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 water
1 tsp. salt
2 tbl. real butter
1 tsp. vanilla


Combine the sugars, salt, honey and water in heavy bottom saucepan. Place over med-low heat, stirring until mixture boils. 

Add butter and stir until mixture begins to thicken. Cook until the firm ball stage or until the mixture holds together when dropped into cold water. Add vanilla and stir.

 Pour over freshly popped popcorn and form into balls with buttered hands.

I think next time I make this recipe I might use it for caramel corn and add peanuts and other add-ins for a "Cracker Jack" like effect...can't wait to try it out :0)