Colorful Popcorn Balls Recipes

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS

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.

HOW TO MAKE RAINBOW POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a small pot over medium high heat combine corn syrup, butter, sugar, marshmallows, water, vanilla and salt. Keep stirring until mixture comes to a boil.
• Separate popcorn into bowls depending on how many different colors you are using. If you are using 5 colors, separate popcorn into 5 bowls - this will make it safer so you don't mix colors.
• Carefully (it's hot) pour your syrup mixture into bowl of popcorn. Make sure to equally distribute into each bowl of popcorn. For example if you are using 5 colors, separate the syrup into 5 equal parts.
• Add 2 drops of food coloring to the bowl.
• With a spoon stir popcorn so every piece is coated with syrup mixture. Tip: Use a different spoon for each bowl so you don't mix colors.
• Using your hands shape into popcorn balls (whatever size you prefer). You have to do this quickly before the syrup cools off. You can use food safe plastic gloves sprayed with nonstick spray to make this easier to do.

POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large heavy pot over low heat. Add marshmallows and brown sugar and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
• Pour popcorn and cranberries, or English toffee bits if using, into pot; toss well. With buttered hands, shape into 2 1/2-inch balls. Set on parchment lined baking sheet to dry slightly.