Looking for a fun activity for one of those boring winter days? Here’s something that is a favorite treat in our family.
This is a recipe I got from a cookbook I received as a wedding gift. I was always looking for fun recipes that the kids could help me make that would create great memories. Each year I would make these with the kids for them to enjoy, but also for them to give as gifts when other kids came to visit.
They are easy to make and oh so yummy!
This year, ‘Granddad’ (maybe you know him as Uncle Rick!) helped me make up a batch to share with the family!
Here’s the recipe:
Caramel Popcorn Balls
- 8 cups popped corn (about 1/2 c. un-popped)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp. vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine
Measure popped corn into large bowl.
Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in 2 qt. saucepan.
Heat to boiling over medium high heat, stirring frequently.
Cook, stirring constantly to 260 degrees on candy thermometer (or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball.)
Reduce heat to low; stir in butter until melted.
Pour syrup in thin stream over corn in bowl, stirring until corn is well coated. Cool slightly.
Butter hands; shape mixture into 3 ” balls and place on waxed paper. (Or better still use popcorn ball-maker as we do. That way you don’t burn your hands,the kids can help, and balls are evenly shaped. Great invention!!) Here is the popcorn ball maker we’ve had for YEARS and love!
Enjoy!
Here’s the instructions all together:
- Measure popped corn into large bowl.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in 2 qt. saucepan.
- Heat to boiling over medium high heat, stirring frequently.
- Cook, stirring constantly to 260 degrees on candy thermometer (or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball.)
- Reduce heat to low; stir in butter until melted.
- Pour syrup in thin stream over corn in bowl, stirring until corn is well coated. Cool slightly.
- Butter hands; shape mixture into 3 ” balls and place on waxed paper. (Or better still use popcorn ball-maker as we do. That way you don’t burn your hands,the kids can help, and balls are evenly shaped. Great invention!!) Here is the popcorn ball maker we’ve had for YEARS and love!
Makes 16 balls.
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