Cranberry Popcorn Balls

2 cups granulated sugar
1 (10 ounce) package (1 cup) frozen cranberry-orange relish
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn

Combine all ingredients, except popcorn, in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil; lower heat and cook to 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Mixture will bubble up in pan, so watch to keep from boiling over. Pour slowly on to popcorn and mix until well-coated. Let stand 5 minutes or until mixture can easily be formed into balls. Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.

Yield: 18 balls