So here is the WARNING, these popcorn balls are not clean! In fact they are far from it! But, what they are is TRADITION and MEMORIES!!!
Matt used to make popcorn balls every year for his grandfather because his grandma couldn’t make them. It became a family tradition every year and eventually a cousins tradition! As our family grows we find it harder and harder to get everyone together. This year we did our family tradition just the 3 of us! It was country music on the radio and popcorn ball making in the kitchen. Bryce helped dump in the popcorn and stir in the sugar syrup mixture. Of course he was the master taste tester too!
We had a great time!!! This is not a healthy recipe but it sure is a a good one that I had to share! I hope you enjoy as much as we do!!!
They’re easy and fun to make, plus you get to have an excuse to enjoy a little treat. 😀
I’m happy to share the popcorn ball recipe with you guys!
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Popcorn Balls
Ingredients:
- 4 QTS popcorn (can use microwave popcorn)
Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup clear corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Procedure:
- Pop the popcorn.
- Use strainer with large holes and shake popcorn to eliminate the unpopped kernels
- Put prepared popcorn in a very large bowl or pan allowing room to stir easily
How to make the syrup:
Combine all syrup ingredients in a pan. Use a bigger pan because the syrup quantity will bubble up.
Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved on medium heat.
Continue without stirring until it reaches a “brittle ball” (260 degrees).
When done, add vanilla (2 teaspoons)
Immediately pour the syrup over popcorn and mix very quickly.
**As soon as it’s mixed, quickly make balls and set on buttered cookie sheet.
** Be sure to butter your hands before forming the balls so as not to get burned. Hot syrup burns badly because it clings.
Wrap balls in waxed paper or cellophane and twist ends.
Makes 10-12 balls.