Caramel Popcorn Balls, Homemade and Old Fashioned

These old-fashioned Halloween treats are surprisingly easy to make and oh so yummy! The shown weight of the popcorn pkg is a guess, just use standard size pkg's.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 1 big batch

Ingredients

• 3 (3 ounce) bags  microwave popcorn, naturally-flavored
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1  cup  packed light brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup light corn syrup
• 2⁄3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Pop corn in the microwave using package's directions one bag at a time, removing any unpopped kernels.
2. popped corn in warm (not hot) oven to keep warm and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup.
4. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat.
5. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C).
6. Stir in vanilla.
7. Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat.
8. Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.