Popcorn Balls

On 9:33 PM
One of the joys at our house is Popcorn Balls. They are one of those foods that I have no “on/off” switch for. If they are in the house, they call my name and I usually unsuccessfully, fight the urge to eat them all. This is the reason I do not make them very often. My mom made some this weekend and I documented the process. The biggest problem is there are MANY left, calling my name in the pantry as I sit here and type. They will be my demise!
This recipe is much like Peanut Brittle or any other hard candy. Once you pop the popcorn(the old fashioned way) on the stove, then begin the candy coating. You start by cooking the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, salt and food coloring until it spins a thread. Add the vanilla and stir. Pour over popcorn and VERY CAREFULLY form into balls (it is VERY hot!). I like them warm or cold (I just like them!), but Heather says they are absolutely best while still warm.DSC_0363
DSC_0370 Note-You probably could use the PLAIN microwave popcorn, but my Grandma always popped it on the stove, so that is what we do. One of those tradition things!
AbDSC_0372out 1/4 cup unpopped popcorn
2 cups Sugar
2/3 cup White Corn Syrup
2/3 cup Water
1 stick Butter
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Vanilla
Food ColoringDSC_0381

Cook Corn Syrup, Water, Butter, food coloring and salt until it spins a thread (pic on left). Add Vanilla. Pour over popcorn and stir to coat. Form into balls. (or eat warm out of pan…) Most of all, Enjoy!DSC_0400
 
DSC_0398Look how excited she is these are almost ready! Her Mommas girl, no doubt! Meanwhile, Honey is stirring quickly to get the popcorn coated before the candy cools too much.
DSC_0411
Honey is making the balls, as the rest of us snack out of the bowl. Nice of us to help, huh!?! Luckily for us, she didn’t mind. She is good to us!
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2 Response to "Popcorn Balls"

  1. lindybasenji Said,
    February 1, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    Okay, I need some lessons. Actually what I want lessons in is making "brenda pickles" so when that weekend comes around, I need an invite! And I also think I might have to invite myself over next candy making season. Because y'all make different candies that I do and I'll take the lessons in that as well!

     

  2. Leanne Said,
    February 1, 2010 at 8:59 PM

    Pickles are made in the summer when cucumbers are abundant. We will make sure you know when they are going to be made! I use maybe a jar a year of them (in tuna salad, etc), but don't know what I would do if I didn't have them. To me, it's not tuna salad if it doesn't have Brenda
    Pickles in it.
    As far as candies go, unfortunately we are terrible at planning! Other than Christmas candies, we just make what sounds good at the moment. We will have to make a weekend of geocaching and candy making sometime soon. To have someone wanting to learn, I would love nothing better to get in the kitchen and cook!

     

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