Karo Syrup Popcorn Balls.

My grandmother used to make these for every holiday. I love them, truly. I noticed Hannah Montana trying to eat a caramel popcorn ball in season 2, episode "That's What Friends Are For?" and was reminded of this superb treat that I am exceptionally fond of.



Popcorn Balls

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 popcorn balls

• Mazola Pure® Cooking Spray
• 3 quarts (12 cups) popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Karo® Corn Syrup with real Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1. Spray large roasting pan with cooking spray; add popcorn and place in 300ºF oven until warm. (Popcorn can also be warmed in a large microwave safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH (100%) power.)



2. Combine sugar, Karo®, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Continue stirring and boil 2 minutes.



3. 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.



4. Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
   

The BEST part of these is that the individual plastic wrap can be the colors of the occasion as well as with a little creativity, they can be decorated as pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, ornaments, snowballs, and so much more! Just let your imagination run wild. BUT, speaking of jack-o-lanterns, if you are going to make popcorn balls, I would suggest making them for the people you know - like family, friends, and even for the office. If you try to give these away at, say, Halloween to perfect strangers they will accept it, yes, but are not likely to eat it. Best to give these gifts to people who already know and love you. They'll love you even more for it.

Recipe From:
http://www.karosyrup.com/brownSugar.asp?recipe_id=502