Hello my fellow foodies(!?) I was trying to figure out what to put up here and I got stumped. Asked a friend of mine and he was in the mood for something sweet. Something I make that always seems to take people by surprise is Popcorn Balls. It is to me such a simple and fast way to get a treat together when you just don’t know what to do. (it can also be fun to do with friends). I usually start with a standard recipe and then just take it off the rails from there…

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Prepare Popcorn: Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method and place them in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once it begins to boil, stop stirring and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it reaches a golden amber color.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
4. Coat Popcorn: Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce. If adding nuts or marshmallows, mix them in at this stage.
5. Form Popcorn Balls: While the caramel-coated popcorn is still warm (but cool enough to handle), lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Take a handful of the caramel popcorn mixture and press it firmly together to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. If the mixture begins to cool and harden, you can briefly reheat it on the stove to soften it.
6. Set Popcorn Balls: Place the formed popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to set. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
7. Serve or Store: Once the popcorn balls have fully set, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them immediately or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or cellophane for storage. They should stay fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

For a little bit of a surprise, I occasionally add things like Lemon Extract and Zest, or Orange Zest while using an orange sugar that I prepared. (Will do an entry on that another time. )