Recipe: Honey Nut Popcorn or Popcorn Balls (with almond and dried apricots)

HONEY NUT POPCORN

3 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon or orange extract

In large, greased mixing bowl, combine popcorn, almonds and apricots; mix well.

In saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, honey and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes (about 280 degrees F on candy thermometer, the soft-crack stage).

Remove pan from heat. Immediately stir in extract. Quickly pour syrup over popcorn mixture. Stir thoroughly to make sure all pieces are coated. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings

VARIATION:

TO MAKE POPCORN BALLS:

Grease hands with butter or margarine. Working fast, scoop up enough popcorn mixture to make a medium-sized ball. Shape firmly into ball and place on waxed paper. When balls are slightly cooled, re-grease hands and firmly press each popcorn ball again so shape will hold. Serve immediately or store in airtight container. Makes 15 to 18 popcorn balls

Source: the National Honey Board