Popcorn Balls

Every Halloween, MDS's Grandma made popcorn balls that she put into special treat bags for MDS, his sister Stephanie, and cousins Zach and Chrissy. The treat bags also included full-size Snickers and Milky Ways, jawbreakers, Nerds, and loads of other candy.

I wish I had known Grandma Holmes. She was a pioneering woman in politics in Michigan. When her husband died, Grandma Holmes, with two young kids to care for, took over her husband's position as Plymouth Township Treasurer. Thus, began her twenty year political career. She was well-known and well-liked throughout her community. But, the stories about Grandma Holmes that make me laugh are the stories about her sweet tooth. I can certainty relate to her love of cookies, cake and ice cream.

MDS was not there when Grandma Holmes made the popcorn balls, but Patti remembers her Mom making these when she was a kid. The difficulty in making these popcorn balls is just how hot the sugar mix will get. There is a very short time window when the sugar-coated popcorn is cool enough to handle, but not yet set. I managed to make this recipe without burning my hands with the sugar mixture, but I did have close calls.

Popcorn Balls 

• 9 cups plain popped popcorn
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Coat a large heat-proof bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt over high heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture registers 260 F on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until the sugar mixture is smooth. 

Immediately drizzle the sugar mixture over the popcorn, stirring continuously with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl, where the sugar mixture may tend to pool. With buttered hands, tightly press the popcorn mixture into balls. Place on wax paper to cool, about 15 minutes. This recipe will yield about 18 small popcorn balls or 8 medium popcorn balls. Enjoy!