Trick or treating and Halloween are just different this year. When life seems overwhelming, I love to lean on nostalgia and memories.
These popcorn balls were my late grandma’s recipe. She often made them for Halloween. Instead of store-bought candy, these were given out. I adore them. Really, it’s just modified caramel corn shaped into a sphere, but if you need something to make Halloween special or want to start a new tradition, these will hit the spot!
Pro tip: when forming the balls, wet your hands slightly so the caramel won’t stick to you!
Ingredients:
• 12-14 cups popped popcorn (1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
• Pop the popcorn in one tablespoon oil and set aside in a large bowl. Personally, I use a Stir Crazy, but a large heavy-bottom kettle with a lid works well too.
• In a 4-quart heavy-bottom kettle, combine the sugar, water, molasses, butter, and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture begins to boil. Continue to boil until the temperature reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
• Remove from heat and add the vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine until the mixture is lighter in color and foamy.
• Pour over prepared popcorn.
• Stir until all the popcorn is coated in the caramel mixture. Allow to cool slightly and become sticky, 3-5 minutes.
• With well-oiled hands, create balls approximately 3 inches in diameter. If the balls are not sticking together, allow popcorn additional time to cool.
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