VINTAGE RECIPE: "Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls"

VINTAGE RECIPE: "Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls" "Peanut butter adds flavor as well as protein to these holiday sweets. They can be wrapped in wax paper and then in tissue paper to make a colorful centerpiece or gift." 1 cup light molasses 2/3 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 quarts popped corn 1. Combine molasses, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until mixture reaches 250 degrees F. or until a little syrup dripped into cold water forms a hard ball. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla. 2. While syrup is cooking, spread out popcorn in a deep roasting pan. When peanut butter mixture has been combined, pour immediately over popcorn and stir until popcorn is evenly coated. 3. Lightly oil hands and shape mixture in 12 balls. Set aside to cool completely. 12 servings.