Peanutty Caramelized Popcorn Balls

Description
Purchased from the Miller Estate in Wylie, Texas in 1994. These are time consuming and very messy. But well worth the effort. I make them for our church bake sale and they always get bought right up. Date and source unknown.

Ingredients

 * 8 cups popped corn
 * 1 cup peanuts
 * 3/4 cup white sugar
 * 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
 * 1/2 cup light corn syrup
 * 1/2 cup water
 * 1 teaspoon white vinegar
 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
 * 3/4 cup butter

Directions

 * 1) Mix the popped corn and peanuts in a large bowl.
 * 2) Combine the sugars, syrup, water, vinegar and salt in a saucepan.
 * 3) Heat to boiling, stirring constantly until a small amount of the mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball.
 * 4) Reduce heat to low.
 * 5) Add butter and stir until melted.
 * 6) Pour the syrup slowly over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring until the popcorn is evenly coated.
 * 7) Cool slightly.
 * 8) Grease your hands with more butter and shape popcorn balls.
 * 9) I do this with wax paper since the caramel can get very hot.
 * 10) Cool and wrap each ball in plastic wrap.

Contributed by
Cat's Recipes Y-Group