Are popcorn balls a treat of the past? I really don’t see them much anymore. And, when Clare had one packed in her school lunch box, many of her friends weren’t sure what it was, but were curious at the same time. After all, what kid wouldn’t love popcorn coated with a sweet, gooey marshmallow mixture?
Jeff had his heart set on making popcorn balls this year, and evidently, is on a mission to bring back the nostalgia, a childhood classic. We both had fun reminiscing of being a kid eating treats like these around the holidays (Christmas, Halloween, etc.)…
He did all the work on this one, but thought I’d post on behalf of him. Bonus: He cleaned up the kitchen and, the popcorn balls were a hit. Enjoy.
Popcorn Balls
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. butter
2 tsp. water
2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 tsp. vanilla *optional* (or other flavorings, if desired)
few drops of food coloring, if desired
5 quarts unsalted popped white popcorn
Combine the first 5 ingredients (corn syrup, butter, water, confectioners’ sugar and marshmallows, and flavoring and food coloring) over medium heat. Heat and stir until the mixture comes just to a boil. Carefully combine with the popcorn, coating popped corn evenly. (Note: Can mix in m&m’s, nuts, gum drops, white chocolate chips, etc. to add extra fun.) Grease hands with butter and work quickly to shape the coated popcorn into balls before cooling. But, be careful not to burn yourself with the hot marshmallow mixture. Wrap popcorn balls with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
savorygourmet 