Caramel popcorn balls

1. For holidays or special occasions, tint popcorn balls with a few drops.
2. Heat all ingredients except popcorn to boiling in dutch oven over medium-hi heat, stirring constantly.
3. Boil and stir 2 minutes; remove from h stir in popcorn until well coated; cool slightly.
4. dip hands into cold water.
5. Shape mixture into 8 balls, each about 2-½ inches in diameter.
6. Place on waxed paper; cool.
7. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, or place in plastic bags and seal.
8. 8 popcorn balls; 205 calories per ball.
9. to microwave: mix all ingredients except popcorn in 3- or 4-quart microwavable bowl or casserole.
10. Microwave uncovered on high about 2 minutes boiling.
11. Stiri until smooth.
12. Microwave uncovered about 1 minute long or until boiling.
13. Stir in popcorn.
14. Continue as directed.