Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Candy thermometer
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Wax paper
- Cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the pot and stir until well combined.
4. Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Once the mixture reaches 250°F on the candy thermometer, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
7. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle.
8. Spray your hands with cooking spray and form the popcorn mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
9. Place the popcorn balls on wax paper to cool and set.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 12 popcorn balls
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use microwave popcorn instead of unpopped kernels.
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the popcorn mixture before forming into balls.
- Use different flavors of extract, such as almond or maple, instead of vanilla.
Tips and tricks:
- Work quickly when forming the popcorn balls, as the mixture will harden as it cools.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- If the caramel mixture hardens before you have formed all of the popcorn balls, simply reheat it over low heat until it is pourable again.
Storage instructions:
- Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- If the popcorn balls become stale, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the popcorn balls on a platter or in a bowl.
Garnishes:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls for a decadent touch.
Pairings:
- Serve the popcorn balls with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
- None
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel mixture burns, start over with fresh ingredients.
- If the popcorn balls are too hard, try adding a bit more butter to the caramel mixture next time.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot caramel, as it can cause burns.
Food history:
- Popcorn balls have been a popular treat in the United States since the late 1800s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and buttery with a crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the popcorn balls as a snack or dessert.
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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Crunchy, Salty