Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup popped popcorn
- 1/2 cup sorghum syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sorghum syrup, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Pour the hot syrup mixture over the popcorn and stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
5. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes until it is cool enough to handle.
6. Spray your hands with cooking spray and form the popcorn mixture into balls, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
7. Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of parchment paper to cool and set.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for the syrup mixture
Serving size:
Makes 6-8 popcorn balls
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 190
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 105mg
Sugar: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use corn syrup instead of sorghum syrup.
- You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the popcorn mixture before forming into balls.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn balls for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with the hot syrup mixture, as it can burn you.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent the popcorn mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Work quickly when forming the popcorn balls, as the mixture will become harder to work with as it cools.
Storage instructions:
Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
If the popcorn balls become stale, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the popcorn balls on a platter or in a decorative bowl.
Garnishes:
You can sprinkle a little sea salt or cinnamon sugar over the popcorn balls for added flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the popcorn balls with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
These popcorn balls make a great snack on their own, but you could also serve them with fresh fruit or a side of veggies.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the popcorn mixture is too sticky to form into balls, let it cool for a few more minutes before trying again.
- If the popcorn balls are too hard, you may have cooked the syrup mixture for too long. Try cooking it for a shorter amount of time next time.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the syrup mixture reaches the correct temperature for safe consumption.
Food history:
Sorghum syrup is a traditional sweetener that has been used in the Southern United States for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
These popcorn balls are sweet and slightly nutty, with a hint of vanilla and salt.
Serving suggestions:
These popcorn balls are perfect for a party or as a sweet snack any time of day.
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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Buttery, Nutty, Crunchy