Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are not only delicious but making them is a fun family tradition! Popcorn is such a cheap ingredient for a dessert. But these popcorn balls are always a hit when we make them during the holidays. Make these up with your family when you have plenty of excited helpers and give them away as gifts!
Equipment
- large stainless steel pot with lid
- large bowl
- medium saucepan
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- rubber spatula
- high heat thermometer
- wax paper
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- popcorn kernels
- oil
- butter
Syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Make popcorn on the stove over medium heat by heating a layer of oil in the bottom of your large pot and adding popcorn kernels. Add the lid. Once popcorn kernels start popping, shake your pot every 5 seconds or so to prevent the popcorn from burning. Turn the heat off when the pops slow down or stop. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and molasses to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat the syrup until it's 260° F (127° C). Then add the vinegar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in just enough to mix it well.
- Pour the syrup over the popcorn and stir until the popcorn is coated. Coat hands with butter and shape the popcorn with syrup into balls of any size. BE CAREFUL OF HOT SYRUP! Cool on wax paper and wrap with plastic wrap.