Popcorn Balls

2 quarts popped corn
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 to 5 drops food coloring

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread corn in large baking dish and keep warm in oven. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, syrup, water, 1/4 cup butter, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat to firm ball stage (250 degrees F. on candy thermomether). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and food coloring. Gradually pour syrup over corn. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes until cool enough to handle. Grease hands with remaining butter. Shape corn into 3-inch balls, packing loosely. Cool on wax paper.

Makes 6.