This is a great recipe. My father and I use an air popper, and pop plain popcorn kernels. We use our sink to pop all of the pop corn into, and then we pour the sugar over it while it's in the sink. It's important butter (or spray Pam) onto any surface you're going to be making the popcorn balls in. I like to have a bowl of ice water handy to dip my hands into while I'm making the popcorn balls so that the sugar doesn't burn me too badly. But when you're working with hot sugar, it's pretty much inevitable. And just for reference, don't quadruple the recipe. We tried that, and we had to use our very biggest pot, and it took FOREVER to get it to 300 degrees. And also make sure all the popcorn gets coated in the sugar, or pieces will be falling of everywhere. I love this recipe! It tastes great!