Marshmallowy Popcorn Balls

14-15 cups popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)

1/4 cup butter
1 (10 oz) pkg mini marshmallows (5 1/2 cups)
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp kosher salt

2 cups add-ins if desired such as m and ms, chocolate chunks, caramel bits, chopped dried fruit, chopped candy bars, chopped sandwich cookies etc

1.  Place popcorn in a buttered large roasting pan.  In a large heavy saucepan melt butter over low.  Add marshmallows, stirring to coat with butter.  Heat and stir until melted and smooth.  Stir in marshmallow creme, vanilla, and salt.  Remove from heat.

2.  Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn; stir gently to coat.  Cool until popcorn mixture can be handled easily.  Stir in desired add in. With buttered hands, shape into 3-inch balls.  Wrap each ball in Saran Wrap.

*If desired you can make popcorn bars by gently pressing popcorn mixture into a buttered 13x9 inch baking pan.  Using a buttered knife cut into bars.

from Magnolia Journal issue no 21