3 qt. popped corn
1/2 lb. candied cherries, quartered (red and green)
1 c. sugar
2 c. white corn syrup
3 tsp. vinegar
1/4 c. water
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
Food coloring (pink or green)
Cook sugar, corn syrup, vinegar, water and salt to 250 deg*. Stir occasionally. Add vanilla and food coloring to tint pale pink or green.
Slowly pour over popcorn and cherries. Toss with fork until all covered. Cool a little bit before shaping into balls so hot syrup won't burn your hands. Makes 15 balls about 3" in diameter.
Christmas Trees: Use this syrup colored green and pour over 6 cups puffed rice.
*NOTE: You may need to cook the syrup only to 235 deg. or 245 deg. depending on altitude. Don't cook to hard crack stage.