8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1 tbs butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup orange and black gumdrops OR jujubes, chopped

place popped popcorn in a bowl; set aside. in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt to a boil; cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. cook, without stirring, for 10 minutes or until at hard-ball stage (254 degrees on a candy thermometer), or until 1/2 tsp of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid but still slightly pliable ball. remove from heat. wearing oven mitts to shield against splatters, carefully stir in vanilla. pour over popped popcorn; using a greased spoon, toss until coated. stir in candy. wearing rubber gloves, form into 2″ balls; let cool on a baking sheet.