Grandma Hornsby’s Popcorn Balls
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Yield: 3 1/2 quarts
🍪 Category: Dessert
🔍 Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, < 30 Mins, Easy
🌟 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
📊 Reviews: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup butter
- 3 1/2 quarts popped corn
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 998.5
- Fat: 22.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 8.7mg
- Sodium: 1379.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 205.7g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 160.8g
- Protein: 3.3g
📝 Instructions:
- Begin by combining granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Stir until all sugar is completely dissolved.
- Introduce the butter to the mixture, and without stirring, continue cooking until it reaches a temperature of 240F. A candy thermometer is your best friend for this step.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the popped corn and sprinkle salt over it.
- Now, pour the candied mixture over the popcorn and mix thoroughly, ensuring each kernel is coated in the delightful sweetness.
- The final step involves shaping the mixture into small, delectable balls. For easy storage and presentation, wrap each popcorn ball in wax paper.
💡 Tip: To add an extra layer of fun, consider customizing your popcorn balls by incorporating colorful sprinkles or small edible decorations into the mix before shaping.
Grandma Hornsby’s Popcorn Balls recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and salty, creating a perfect treat for kids and adults alike. The caramelized coating, infused with the richness of brown sugar and butter, elevates the traditional popcorn ball to a whole new level of deliciousness. The easy-to-follow steps and minimal prep time make this recipe a go-to for spontaneous gatherings or a quick, homemade snack.
The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness, while the light corn syrup contributes a pleasant stickiness that binds the popcorn together. Water serves to dissolve the sugars, forming the base for the irresistible caramel. The addition of butter not only imparts a creamy richness but also ensures a glossy finish to the candied coating.
Cooking the mixture to precisely 240F is crucial for achieving the desired consistency. This temperature allows the caramel to set on the popcorn, creating a firm yet chewy texture that holds its shape when formed into balls. The candy thermometer becomes an essential tool at this stage, ensuring accuracy and perfect results.
The choice of salt in this recipe acts as a balancing element, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile. It’s a small but significant touch that elevates these popcorn balls from merely sweet to perfectly balanced and addictive.
Once the candied mixture meets the waiting popcorn, the magic begins. The careful mixing ensures an even distribution of the sweet coating, ensuring that every piece of popcorn is coated with the delicious caramel goodness. The result is a harmonious blend of crunchy popcorn and chewy caramel, a texture combination that will keep you reaching for more.
Shaping the mixture into balls adds a playful element to the process. The wax paper wrapping not only makes for easy handling but also presents the popcorn balls in a charming, old-fashioned manner, reminiscent of the treats lovingly crafted by grandmas through generations.
Nutritionally, these popcorn balls provide a satisfying treat. While they are indulgent, the inclusion of popcorn does bring a lighter element. Plus, with the flexibility to customize by adding nuts or dried fruits to the mix, you can tailor the recipe to your preferences.
Grandma Hornsby’s Popcorn Balls are not just a recipe; they’re a tradition in the making. Whether shared during movie nights, packed into lunchboxes, or offered as a delightful gift, these popcorn balls are a testament to the joy found in simple, homemade treats. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the sweet aroma of caramelized goodness fill your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you! 🍿✨
