Popcorn Balls

Name: Popcorn Balls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2 quarts popped popcorn; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup water; 1/3 cup dark corn syrup; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Field editor Edna Hoffman of Hebron, Indiana writes, "These sweet chewy snacks are made from one of our state's most popular crops—popcorn! This version has a nice caramel color and flavor."

Ingredients

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, corn syrup, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 270° (soft-crack stage).
Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over popcorn; stir to coat. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into balls.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.