Traditional Popcorn Balls
Kids of all ages enjoy these old-fashioned holiday treats. One batch goes a long way. —Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota20 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 20 min.
Ingredients
- 7 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring, optional
Directions
- Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt.
- Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235°
- (soft-ball stage).
- Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if
- desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn
- and stir until evenly coated.
- When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in.
- balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking. Yield: 20
- servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 177 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 5 mg cholesterol, 203 mg sodium,