Ingredients for Caramel Popcorn Balls
- Popped Popcorn
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Light Corn Syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- White Vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
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How to Make Caramel Popcorn Balls
- Pop 10 cups of popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels).
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Continue to stir constantly until a small amount of the mixture dropped into a glass of ice water forms a firm ball (soft-ball stage, approximately 235-240°F).
- Reduce heat to low, and stir in 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter until completely melted and incorporated.
- Pour the hot caramel syrup over the popped popcorn in a large bowl, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat all the popcorn evenly.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes, until it's still warm but not scorching hot.
- Lightly butter your hands (or use cooking spray) and shape the popcorn mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds or peanuts to the popcorn before adding the caramel syrup for an extra crunch.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
7 g
Sugar
170g
Fat
24g
Carbs
20g
