Festive Popcorn Balls Are A Retro Halloween Treat For All Ages Food

HALLOWEEN POPCORN TREATS

Steps:

• Spray the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable cooking spray, and lightly spray a baking sheet. Set aside.
• In a 3 quart or larger, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil and popcorn over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and shake gently. Cook until all the kernels have popped, about 3 minutes. Place the popcorn in the prepared bowl.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a spatula, sprayed with cooking spray, stir until the popcorn is coated. Spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate bar pieces, cookies, almonds and chocolate candies. Using a spatula, gently press the toppings into the popcorn. Allow the mixture to dry for 1 hour.
• Break into 2-inch pieces and store airtight in a plastic container.
• Serving Suggestion: Place in small plastic bags and seal with colored ribbon.

BEST EVER POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
• Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

POPCORN BALLS - A SPECIAL TREAT FOR HALLOWEEN!

Steps:

• Mix sauce ingredients [EXCEPT THE VANILLA!] in a saucepan.
• Cook to 250 degrees on a candy thermometer for popcorn balls [or until a few drops form a hard ball when dropped into cold water].
• This can be cooked to a lower temp if you are just going to drizzle this over popcorn in a pan for smaller bite-sized pieces - and don't want to break a tooth on the hard-ball caramel.
• Remove from heat.
• NOW stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
• Pour in a thin stream over the popped corn, stirring constantly to mix well.
• Shape into balls, if desired.