How to Make Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are a great treat for kids on Halloween or for decorating during the holiday season. Whether they are for eating or for display, anyone can learn how to make popcorn balls.
First: The supplies
Get your ingredients together. You need 1 cup of both granulated and brown sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, 2/3 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine, 3 1/2 quarts of popcorn (popped) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Combine the sugars, corn syrup and water in a saucepan, stirring constantly until all of the sugar breaks up and liquefies.
Second: The mixture
Add the butter and cook without stirring until the mixture gets to 240 degrees. Pour the cooked popcorn (removing any unpopped kernels) into a big mixing bowl and add the salt. Take the hot sugar syrup and slowly pour it onto the popcorn. Stir it up thoroughly.
Third: The formation
Butter your hands; grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Place each finished popcorn ball on a buttered cookie sheet. Repeat this process until the popcorn mixture is gone.
Fourth: The decoration
After the popcorn balls have cooled, wrap them in cellophane wrap or waxed paper. To attach candies or other small treats to the popcorn balls, melt 2/3 cup of small marshmallows with 2 teaspoons of shortening over low heat. While the mixture is warm, dip the candies into the marshmallow glue and stick them on to decorate the balls.