Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 cups of popped popcorn
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the popped popcorn and set it aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, unsalted butter, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the sugar dissolves, insert the candy thermometer into the mixture and let it boil until it reaches 250°F.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn and stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
7. Using your hands, form the popcorn mixture into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the popcorn balls in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn balls cool completely before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 250°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 8 popcorn balls.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Sugar: 47g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Light corn syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the popcorn mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the popcorn mixture as it is less likely to break the popcorn kernels.
- Wet your hands with water before forming the popcorn balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage instructions:
- Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the popcorn balls, place them in a preheated 250°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the popcorn balls on a platter with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit over the popcorn balls for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the popcorn balls with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the popcorn balls as a dessert after a meal or as a snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the popcorn mixture is too sticky, add more popcorn until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the popcorn balls are too hard, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the correct temperature to prevent the popcorn balls from being too hard or too soft.
Food history:
- Popcorn balls have been a popular treat in the United States since the late 1800s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, crunchy, and buttery.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the popcorn balls as a fun and festive treat for parties or as a snack for movie nights.
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