Popcorn Balls

Though, one must be thinking that popcorn balls are aging ungracefully, the fact is these are some of the munchies that no one can resist. Whether you need a late night snack or extra tidbits for a party spread, a bowl of crispy and yummy popcorn can serve the cravings for both salty and sweet flavors. Moreover, besides being known for their sweet, sticky allure, these balls also serve the purpose of holiday gifts as well as decorations. However, most people usually think preparing popcorn balls at home is time-consuming and difficult, but actually it is not so. Therefore, here we will discuss different methods to make popcorn which is a simple to make fast food item, and doesn't take much time or efforts.

Popcorn Balls Recipes

Basic Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 9 cups plain popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick), cut into small pieces
• 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract

Directions

Take a large heatproof bowl, coated with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and put the popcorn in to it. In a medium sauce pan, add sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar and salt, and stir well. Keep the pan over high heat and stir for 2 - 3 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture shows 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 6 - 7 minutes. Remove it from heat and add butter and vanilla, stir well until melted and smooth. Instantly, drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and stir constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle. After cooling, coat your hands with oil or butter and tightly press mixture in to 3 inch rounds. Keep the popcorn balls on a waxed or parchment paper to cool properly.

Cocoa/Cayenne Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 9 cups plain popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ tbsp cayenne pepper
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
• 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ tbsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 medium orange

Directions

Take a large heatproof bowl, coated with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and put the popcorn in to it. In a medium sauce pan, add sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar and salt, and stir well. Keep the pan over high heat and stir for 2 - 3 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture shows 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 6 - 7 minutes. Remove it from heat and add butter, cocoa, orange zest, cayenne and vanilla, stir well until melted and smooth. Instantly, drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and stir constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle. After cooling, coat your hands with oil or butter and tightly press mixture in to 3 inch rounds. Keep the popcorn on a waxed or parchment paper to cool properly.

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract

Directions

In a 4 quart saucepan, add 1 tbsp oil and heat over high heat. Now put ½ cup popping corn, meanwhile keep the pan moving constantly. As soon as the corn stops popping, remove from heat and keep the popped corn in an oven to remain warm. In a medium saucepan, mix together butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir consistently and bring to boiling over medium heat. Add in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until the candy/fat thermometer reads 238° F. Stir in vanilla and then pour the caramel mixture over the popped corn, stir constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle. After cooling, coat your hands with oil or butter and tightly press mixture in to 3 inch rounds. Keep the balls on a waxed or parchment paper to cool properly.

Aren't they easy to prepare? Well, these popcorn balls are not only simple but delectable too and will surely satiate taste buds of anyone who have them for once.