Popcorn balls (rodgers)

Popcorn Balls (Rodgers) Recipe | USA | Ingredients: Popcorn, Sugar, Dark Corn Syrup, Water, Butter, Salt, Vanilla

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Popcorn balls are a classic treat that are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun snack. These sweet and crunchy treats are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and colors.

History

Popcorn balls have been a popular treat in the United States since the late 19th century. They were often made at home and sold at fairs and carnivals. The recipe has evolved over the years, with different variations and flavors being added.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 liters) of popped popcorn
1 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of light or dark corn syrup
0.33 cup of water
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of vanilla

How to prepare

1. Keep popcorn warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while preparing the coating.
2. In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270°F (132°C) on a candy thermometer or until a small amount dropped into very cold water separates into threads that are hard but not brittle.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Add vanilla and stir just enough to mix through the hot syrup.
7. Slowly pour the syrup over the popcorn, stirring to coat every kernel.
8. Cool the mixture just enough to handle.
9. With greased hands, shape the mixture into balls.
10. Variation: Use almond, peppermint, or other flavor extract instead of vanilla.
11. For colorful popcorn balls, stir a few drops of food coloring into the syrup before adding it to the popped popcorn.
12. This recipe is from the bottom of the files of Shelley Rodgers.

Variations

Use different flavor extracts such as almond or peppermint instead of vanilla.
Add food coloring to the syrup for colorful popcorn balls.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep the popcorn warm in the oven while preparing the coating to ensure it sticks together well.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature for the perfect texture.

- Grease your hands before shaping the popcorn balls to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve popcorn balls as a fun and festive treat at parties, holidays, or as a special snack for kids.

Cooking Techniques

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature.

- Stir the syrup constantly to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

Popcorn balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Wrap popcorn balls in colorful cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve popcorn balls with hot chocolate or apple cider for a cozy and delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of popcorn balls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of popcorn balls contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of popcorn balls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of popcorn balls contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Popcorn is a good source of fiber and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains corn syrup, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Popcorn balls are a sweet and crunchy treat that are relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a fun and festive snack for special occasions.

Summary

Popcorn balls are a classic treat that are easy to make and perfect for parties or special occasions. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a fun and delicious snack that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a chilly autumn day, and my dear friend, Mrs. Rodgers, invited me over for tea and a chat. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious smell of freshly popped popcorn. Mrs. Rodgers had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a tray of perfectly shaped popcorn balls.

"Have you ever tried popcorn balls, my dear?" she asked, a sly smile playing on her lips.

I shook my head, curious about this mysterious treat. Mrs. Rodgers chuckled and began to tell me the story behind her famous popcorn balls. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who used to make them as a special treat for her and her siblings when they were children.

As Mrs. Rodgers shared the recipe with me, I could see the passion and love she had for this simple yet delicious treat. I could tell that she had perfected the recipe over the years, adding her own little twists and secrets to make them truly unforgettable.

After tea, Mrs. Rodgers handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, her elegant cursive writing filling the page. I thanked her profusely and promised to try making them at home. Little did I know that this recipe would quickly become a staple in my own kitchen, passed down through the generations as a beloved family tradition.

The first time I attempted to make the popcorn balls, I was a bundle of nerves. I followed Mrs. Rodgers' instructions to the letter, carefully melting the butter and marshmallows together until they formed a sticky, gooey mixture. I poured the mixture over the freshly popped popcorn, stirring it all together with a wooden spoon until every kernel was coated in the sweet, sticky goodness.

As I shaped the popcorn balls with my hands, I could feel the warmth and love that had gone into making them. I knew that Mrs. Rodgers' grandmother had passed down this recipe with care and passion, and I was determined to do it justice.

When the popcorn balls had cooled and hardened, I placed them on a tray and admired my handiwork. They looked just like Mrs. Rodgers' had made them, perfectly shaped and irresistibly delicious. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends, passing on the tradition that Mrs. Rodgers had so generously shared with me.

From that day on, popcorn balls became a regular treat in my household. My children would eagerly gather around the kitchen table as I made a fresh batch, their eyes wide with anticipation. They would help me shape the popcorn balls, their little hands covered in sticky sweetness as they molded the treats into perfect spheres.

As the years passed, the recipe for popcorn balls became more than just a delicious snack. It became a symbol of family togetherness, a reminder of the love and laughter that filled our home. I would think of Mrs. Rodgers and her grandmother every time I made them, grateful for the gift of this simple yet meaningful tradition.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the smell of freshly popped popcorn, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude. The recipe for popcorn balls has brought my family closer together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And so, I will continue to make popcorn balls for as long as I am able, passing down this cherished recipe to future generations. For in every bite of these sweet, sticky treats, there is a piece of Mrs. Rodgers' grandmother's love and legacy, forever ingrained in our family history.