Best Ever Popcorn Balls

I discovered this recipe in the fall of 2008 while my in-laws were visiting around Thanksgiving. I had lots and lots of popcorn and decided it would be fun to make sweet, sticky popcorn balls. After trying several recipes, we (my MIL and I) decided this was the best!

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 2 teaspoons cold water
• 2 5/8 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
  
• 5 quarts plain popped popcorn (I use my large Pampered Chef Micro Cooker and put just plain popcorn kernels in it. I microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes until it stops popping. Good, pure, plain popcorn!)
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar, marshmallows, and vanilla. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
2. Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

The process of pressing it into balls can be really, really sticky (I know...they're popcorn balls!). But, we found that we liked it just as much if we tossed the sugar mixture with the popcorn, spread it on a sheet to cool, and just ate it as sweet popcorn crunch!