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Caramel Popcorn Balls

Photo Credit
Kathy Clark/shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
Makes 12-14 balls or squares.
Category
Candy
Course
Other
Occasions
Halloween
Preparation Method
Boil
Sources
Yankee Magazine's Lost and Vintage Recipes
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Popcorn balls, a blast from the past, bring all the cozy vibes with a mid-1800s recipe that’s still a hit.

 Whipping up these caramel delights is a breeze, but here’s the trick: keep a close eye on the caramel. It can go from yummy golden to almost-burnt real quick. So, it’s all about that sweet spot. 

These treats aren’t just about the snack; they’re a taste of history. With every bite, you’re munching on nostalgia and a simpler time. So, go on, make a batch, and let the caramel popcorn balls take you on a delicious trip down memory lane!

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, plus more for bowl and hands
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 cups popped popcorn
Instructions
  1. Grease a large bowl with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil and stir in butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and boil gently for 3 minutes or until light golden brown, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  3. Put popped corn into the prepared bowl. Pour the syrup mixture over popcorn and stir until popcorn is evenly coated. As soon as mixture is cool enough to handle, grease your hands and shape popcorn into 2- to 3-inch balls. 
  4. When the balls are cool, wrap them in plastic or wax paper.
About The Author

The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

We love introducing fun new recipes as well as time-tested recipes, straight from the archives! Read More from The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors
 

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Comments

A ROCKWELL (not verified)

3 years 2 months ago

how well I recall the Halloween Popcorn balls; a very wholesome Halloween treat; Happy Halloween !!!

M Farlin (not verified)

4 years 2 months ago

Oh, this is the same recipe my Mother used for Halloween for years and years. I never knew where the recipe came,, but i knew she had used since the early 1950's. I am 63yrs old and I still make the recipe every year around Halloween to bring back happy memories for myself, brother and sister. They were so good I remember a neighbor paid her children money so she could have popcorn balls..you can use butter for your hands but I now lightly dampen my hands with cold water when forming the popcorn balls...

V Edsall (not verified)

9 years 2 months ago

Delicious