Bite-size Honey Popcorn Balls

These miniature popcorn balls held together with caramelized honey are just the right size for snacking.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the popcorn in a large baking dish. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, combine 1 1/4 cups butter, honey, and salt until the butter is melted. Increase the heat and gently boil the honey mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add vanilla.Carefully pour the honey mixture over the popcorn in the baking dish and stir gently to coat. Bake the popcorn, stirring every 5 minutes, until dark golden all over, about 25 minutes.Let the popcorn stand for 5 minutes or just until it is cool enough to handle. Quickly, with lightly oiled hands, squeeze out small handfuls of the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, occasionally loosening the popcorn from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. If the mixture cools too much to become pliable, return it to the oven for about 45 seconds to soften.Place the popcorn balls on the prepared baking sheet and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.Note: A nutritional analysis is provided for each popcorn ball.