Sweet Popcorn Balls with Dried Fruit

12 cups popped popcorn
3 cups mixed dried fruit such as golden raisins, cherries, and chopped apricots
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
½ cup water

1. Toss popcorn and mixed dried fruit together in a large, lightly oiled, heatproof bowl.
2. Oil 2 waxed paper-lined baking pans and a long metal fork. Set aside. Bring sugars, corn syrup, and the water to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer.
3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until mixture reaches 260°F. Carefully pour the syrup over the popcorn mixture. Stir with the fork to distribute. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. With well-oiled hands, form 3-inch balls, place on pans, and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

~~~For Sweet Popcorn Munchies, follow the above directions, spreading popcorn and dried fruit mixture on waxpaper-lined baking sheets. Bring sugar temp up to 27o degrees and drizzle over popcorn. Stir with fork to coat popcorn. Let cool and when hardened, break into bite-sized pieces. Store in airtight container. ~~~