Popcorn and Candy Balls



20 cups popped popcorn
1-1/2 cups light-colored corn syrup
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces or candy-coated peanut butter-flavored pieces

1. Remove all unpopped kernels from popped popcorn. Place popcorn in a buttered 17x12x2-inch baking pan or roasting pan. Keep popcorn warm in a 300 degree F oven while preparing marshmallow mixture.
2. In a large saucepan bring corn syrup and sugar to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallow creme, butter, and vanilla until combined.
3. Pour marshmallow mixture over hot popcorn; stir gently to coat. Cool until popcorn mixture can be handled easily. Stir in candies. With damp hands, quickly shape mixture into 3-inch-diameter balls. Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature up to 1 week.

Yield: Makes 24 popcorn balls.

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