CARAMEL CASHEW BALLS

CARAMEL CASHEW BALLS

2 -Bags (3.5 oz. each) microwave popcorn
1 cup dry roasted cashews
1-cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 pkg. (1 lb.) light brown sugar (2 cups)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Cream of tartar
1 tsp. Baking soda

Microwave popcorn as pkg. Directs; discard any un popped kernels. In
greased microwave safe 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish, mix popcorn and nuts.
In large glass bowl, microwave butter on high 1 minute, or until melted;
stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and cream of tartar. Microwave on
high 4 minutes, or until mixture boils, stirring after 2 minutes.
Microwave 10 minutes or until a small amount of sugar mixture dropped in
ice water forms hard threads, or until mixture reaches 280 degrees on
candy thermometer. (Do no leave candy thermometer in microwave.) Stir in
baking soda; quickly pour sugar mixture over popcorn and nuts. With
spatula, toss to coat evenly. Slightly cook mixture. With lightly oiled
hands, roll ½ cup popcorn into 3 " balls. If mixture hardens,
microwave on medium 1 minute; continue rolling balls as above. Cool
completely.
Makes about 14 balls.