Golden Popcorn Balls (Makes 15 medium-size
popcorn balls)

Here is a recipe from my growing up years on our family farm in southern Wisconsin. We knew Christmas was near when my mother got out the supplies for this favorite recipe. We always needed to be very careful not to burn our hands. Today, we can use food handling gloves to protect our hands as we shape the popcorn mixture. Just spray the gloves with vegetable spray to prevent sticking.

6 quarts popped corn
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1. Put popped corn in large mixing bowl or aluminum foil     turkey roasting pan.

2. In 2-quart saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar and     cream of tartar.

3. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture     reaches 235 degrees on a candy thermometer.

4. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Stir well. The     mixture will become foamy.

5. Pour syrup over popped corn and mix thoroughly.

6. As soon as the corn is cool enough to handle, butter     hands and shape into popcorn balls. Work quickly as     the mixture will not cling together when cool. Place     shaped popcorn balls on waxed paper.

7. Wrap popcorn balls individually in plastic wrap for gift     giving or to enjoy with family and friends.