Popcorn Balls Without Corn Syrup 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.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
• Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Keep popcorn warm in 250 degree oven.
• Cook first five ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
• Continue cooking without stirring until mixture reaches 270 degrees on a candy thermometer or until a small amount dropped into very cold water separates into hard threads.
• Add vanilla and stir.
• Pour mixture over popped corn, mixing with a fork.
• When cool enough to handle but still quite warm, form into balls.

PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a saucepan mix the honey and brown sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring then add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
• Place the popcorn into a large bowl and pour hot mixture over it and stir until it is well coated.
• The popcorn mixture will be hot but as soon as your hands can take the heat begin forming it into softball sized balls by compressing the popcorn tightly with your hands and placing them on a wax or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Once all balls are formed, put the cookie sheet into the fridge to cool.
• (it doesn't take long but they can be left over night, it doesn't really matter).
• To keep little hands from getting too sticky, shove a stick into each ball after it has cooled.

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.