Eggnog Popcorn Balls

Directions

1. 1
   Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.
2. 2
   Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
3. 3
   Place over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove from heat and stir in butter, nutmeg, and vanilla until melted and smooth.
6. 6
   Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn.
7. 7
   Add pecans and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
8. 8
   Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 3-inch rounds.
9. 9
   Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.