Popcorn Balls Fit For More Than Just Kids Food

EASY POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Melt the two sticks of butter in a large pot (I use my large stock-pot).
• Pop one cup of popcorn. (We have an electric popcorn popper that we found at the thrift store for very cheap. We buy popcorn in bulk from our food co-op.)
• When the butter is melted, pour the bag of marshmallows into the pot with it and stir until the marshmallows melt.
• Pour the popped corn into the melted butter and marshmallow mixture and stir until all the popcorn is coated. Grease hands with butter (this is the part kids like to help with).
• When the popcorn is cool enough that you can hold it in your hands without getting burned, form it into balls. Lay the balls on waxed paper to cool.

THE BEST POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Line a large baking sheet/s with waxed paper.
• Place the popped popcorn into a large heat-proof bowl.
• In a saucepan over medium heat combine the corn syrup, butter or margarine, cold water, 2-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar and marshmallows; heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil; remove from heat then carefully pour the hot mixture in with the popped popcorn.
• Mix with a wooden spoon to combine, carefully coating each kernel.
• Grease your hands with vegetable shortening.
• Working as quickly as possible shape the coated popcorn mixture into balls.
• Make certain that the balls are completely cooled then wrap each ball with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature (use coloured wrap for the holidays).
• Place on a baking sheet.

LOADED CANDY POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine the popcorn with mini graham cookies.
• In a large pot combine the marshmallows and margarine or butter; cook stirring over medium-low heat until melted and combined, then remove from heat.
• Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn; toss to coat.
• Add/mix in the candy corn.
• Working as quickly as possible and using lightly greased hands shape into 20 even balls (about 3-inches wide) pressing together firmly when shaping.
• Place onto greased waxed paper to cool completely.
• Wrap each ball in plain or colored plastic wrap.
• Store in an airtight container for 3 days (these are so good that they won't even last that long lol!).

OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Heat popcorn in oven at 300 degrees.
• Stir and cook sugar, karo, water, butter and salt until sugar is dissolved.
• Continue cooking WITHOUT stirring until mixture reaches 270 degrees on candy thermometer, (can use a kitchen thermometer) or until syrup forms a soft ball in cold water.
• Add vanilla and pour slowly over popcorn.
• Mix well.
• Dip hands in water and form balls.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and enjoy!

POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt in a saucepan.
• Cook over medium-high heat to hard ball stage.
• Remove from heat and add vanilla.
• Pour over popcorn.
• When cool enough to handle, form into balls with buttered hands.