**A Bite of Nostalgia: Old-Fashioned Soft Popcorn Balls – A Culinary Journey Through Childhood Memories**
Embark on a delightful culinary expedition into the realm of old-fashioned soft popcorn balls, where taste buds are tantalized and memories are evoked. These delectable treats, crafted from simple ingredients like popcorn, sugar, and butter, have stood the test of time, becoming a beloved confection synonymous with childhood nostalgia. Immerse yourself in the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar as it coats each fluffy popcorn kernel, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you back to simpler times.
This comprehensive guide unveils a treasure trove of popcorn ball recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic treat. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of the microwave, these recipes cater to various preferences and skill levels. Explore the realm of gourmet popcorn balls, where culinary creativity knows no bounds. Discover how the addition of chocolate, nuts, and spices can elevate these humble treats into extraordinary confections that will impress even the most discerning palate.
Whether you're seeking a nostalgic journey or simply craving a sweet and satisfying snack, these old-fashioned soft popcorn balls are sure to hit the spot. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the popcorn popping commence. Embrace the magic of these timeless treats and create lasting memories with every bite.
TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS
Kids of all ages enjoy this popcorn ball recipe as an old-fashioned holiday treat. One batch goes a long way. -Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 20m
Yield 20 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS RECIPE
Learn how to make popcorn balls the traditional way with real caramel you make yourself. A fun and delicious treat for the holiday season made easy with these simple directions. A new Halloween tradition the whole family will enjoy.
Provided by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Categories Appetizer
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Start by popping the corn.
- Place 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat with three kernels of corn. As soon as the corn pops, remove from heat, add 1/2 cup of un-popped corn and cover with a lid. Allow to set for 20-30 seconds for the kernels to come up close to popping temperature. Place back over medium-high heat and pop the corn shaking the pan occasionally.
- You need 8 cups of popped corn. Spend little time getting rid of un-popped kernels. The easiest way is to shake the container and moving the top layer to another pan.
- Prep a large pan and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula with PAM, and transfer popcorn to the pan. This is the point to add nuts or candy if desired-about 1 cup and mix in well.
- In a non-stick pan, add 3/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark), 1/2 cup light Karo corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Place over medium-high heat with a candy thermometer and cook to 260°, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and place back over low heat until butter melted.
- Now for the hot part. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the popcorn while mixing with the PAM coated spoon.
- Continue to stir for a few minutes until cooled some. Spray your hands with PAM or butter. Be VERY CAREFUL since you can get burnt so test very carefully before proceeding and only proceed if you feel safe. I kept the cold water running in the sink if needed.
- Form the popcorn into balls of about 1 cup each by scooping with a measuring cup with a heavy coat of PAM. Place on wax paper or cooking mat to shape. Work quickly and use more PAM as needed - about every two balls. So scoop, dump, shape, cold water on hands if needed, a spray of PAM if needed (cup and hands), then repeat QUICKLY until done. DO NOT OVER-COMPRESS AND MOVE QUICKLY.
- Allow to finish cooling. You can wrap with plastic wrap, and they should keep 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 408 kcal, Carbohydrate 63 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 148 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 46 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
POPCORN BALLS FROM KARO®
Old-fashioned popcorn balls!
Provided by Karo Corn Syrup
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®
Time 20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Spray large roasting pan with cooking spray; add popcorn and place in 300F oven until warm. (Popcorn can also be warmed in a large microwave safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH (100%) power.)
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Continue stirring and boil 2 minutes.
- Remove syrup mixture from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour syrup mixture over warm popcorn stirring to coat well. Cover hands with two plastic bags, spray bags lightly with cooking spray. Working quickly shape twelve 3-inch popcorn balls.
- Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.6 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 300.5 mg, Sugar 19.1 g
GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS
Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!
Provided by 3KIDS5
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
- Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g
OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS
Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Snacks
Time 35m
Yield 1 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS
I made these with my grandmother for years. They are soft and delicious- and NOT made with marshmallow fluff! If using bag popcorn- make sure it is not buttered and use 2-3 bags.
Provided by mrsteacher22
Categories Candy
Time 1h10m
Yield 20 balls
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat popcorn in oven at 300 degrees.
- Stir and cook sugar, karo, water, butter and salt until sugar is dissolved.
- Continue cooking WITHOUT stirring until mixture reaches 270 degrees on candy thermometer, (can use a kitchen thermometer) or until syrup forms a soft ball in cold water.
- Add vanilla and pour slowly over popcorn.
- Mix well.
- Dip hands in water and form balls.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.9, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 12.2, Sodium 138.9, Carbohydrate 33.7, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 24.6, Protein 0.1
Tips for Making Perfect Popcorn Balls:
- Use fresh popcorn. Avoid using stale or day-old popcorn, as it will not hold together well and will result in crumbly popcorn balls.
- Cook the popcorn until it is fully popped. This will ensure that the popcorn is light and airy, and will help the popcorn balls hold their shape.
- Use a large bowl for mixing the popcorn balls. This will give you plenty of space to work and will help to prevent the popcorn from flying out of the bowl.
- Add the corn syrup and sugar to the popcorn mixture while it is still hot. This will help the ingredients to combine evenly and will prevent the popcorn balls from becoming too hard.
- Work quickly to shape the popcorn balls. The mixture will start to harden as it cools, so it is important to work quickly to form the balls before the mixture becomes too difficult to handle.
- Use a light coating of oil on your hands to prevent the popcorn mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Making old-fashioned soft popcorn balls is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create delicious and nostalgic popcorn balls that are sure to be a hit with friends and family. So next time you're looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, give this recipe a try.
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