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Old Fashioned, All-American Popcorn Balls

American Old Fashioned Popcorn Balls

If you’ve never had (or heard of) popcorn balls, you’re not alone.  I’ll be the first to admit that they are far from modern. Growing up in an area that was founded in 1664, history was a huge part of the culture and popcorn balls were a summer staple.

So what is a popcorn ball?

Imagine sweet, buttery, delicious, sticky kettlecorn smooshed into a candied ball. Sounds amazing, right? They’re easy to make, delicious, and fun for the kids to make!

They’re also easy to make into a holiday treat with mix-ins (marshmallows, m&m’s, candy chunks, and sprinkles all work amazingly well) or by adding a little food coloring. We used to have red and blue ones for July 4th, and orange for Halloween. Cinnamon can be added for a fun fall treat!

The most difficult part of this recipe is using the candy thermometer. It’s quick, fun and delicious – so have fun!

What you will need:

Equipment:

  • Large stock pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wax paper or parchment paper
  • Cooking spray
  • Rubber spatula
  • Candy thermometer

Ingredients:

  • ½ – ¾  c popcorn kernels (can make them stovetop, airpopped, or microwave.  You will need about 8-10 cups of popcorn.
  • 1 c sugar
  • ½  c water
  • 1 c corn syrup (can also use molasses or maple syrup for a different flavor)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp of salt
  • Food coloring, if desired. (If using food coloring, use light corn syrup to minimize yellow tint.
  • Mix-ins, if desired, such as candies, marshmallows, or sprinkles.

Drections:

1. Pop the popcorn kernels in method of your choice. Pull out any unpopped kernels.* Set popcorn aside.

*Trick for getting rid of kernels: pour a few cups of popcorn in a large bowl.  Gently shake the bowl for 30 seconds. Kernels will drop to the bottom of the bowl. Scoop out popcorn into another bowl and throw away kernels.

2. Pour sugar, corn syrup, and water into a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally to keep sugar from burning.  Heat until approximately 235°F.  Mix in salt, vanilla, butter, and salt and remove from heat. Stir well. If adding food coloring, add it at this point.

3. Pour syrup over the popcorn, stirring to coat the popcorn evenly. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes. If adding in marshmallows, add while popcorn is still warm. If adding candies, wait until mixture cools somewhat to prevent melting. While the popcorn is cooling, set out a few sheets of wax paper. 

4. Spray hands with cooking spray.  Shape popcorn into 2-3” balls. Place on parchment paper.

5. Allow popcorn to cool until hardened.  

6. Store in a plastic bag, Tupperware, or with plastic wrap to keep fresh.

Enjoy!

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About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

As the founder and managing director of Destination Sitters, LLC, a national hotel and event babysitting service, and the mother of two children, I strongly believe that family comes first. I personally needed babysitting when I moved to San Diego 14 years ago. Like most parents, I assumed there were standards for temporary babysitting; in reality, there are no state standards or licensing requirements for temporary babysitting. The idea for Destination Sitters was born! I wanted to Give Parents Peace of Mind® when traveling with their children, so I created strict screening requirements for the sitters we refer. There is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from getting great professional help to care for your children, especially when traveling away from home. I and my partners, along with our office staff, have that one goal in mind with everything we do. Through the years of working with children, I have been inspired to write three books, and this blog for parents’ and children’s wellbeing. I believe the best way to teach a child is leading by example, with love, honesty, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Learning these values and teaching children that all women and men are equal will encourage them to dream big to be anything they want to be! An entrepreneur for over 35 years, I previously spent years running a construction and design company with two offices in California and built million-dollar estates and remodeled existing ones. For three and half years, I was one of the primary designers on HGTV’s Curb Appeal. I have also been published in books, magazines and newspapers, and have been a featured designer in multiple showcase houses.

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