My favorite time of the year to make treats. The kids and I made our yearly popcorn balls on Tuesday. Tasty caramel, buttery, sweet treats. We're going to have to make more, as this lot is quickly disappearing.
2 C brown sugar
2 sticks salted butter
1/2 C light corn syrup
1/2 t baking soda
pinch cream of tartar
dash of salt
8 Quarts of popcorn
Pop enough raw popcorn to make at least 8 quarts of cooked popcorn. Fluff and sift to remove leftover kernels. Place in a bowl with enough room to mix thoroughly in last steps. In a heavy saucepan, mix brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and continue to slow boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. No need for a candy thermometer, just set a timer. Remove from heat and add the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into popcorn with wooden spoons or mixing spoons. Mixture is hot! Rinse hands under cold water and pull off apple-sized chucks and mold into balls when cool enough to handle yet hot enough to mold. Place on wax paper. Wait until cool to eat. Wrap individually to preserve freshness.
I make balls a little over 2" in diameter and this recipes makes about 32-35 in that size. They are buttery delicious!!
