Chewy Fruity Popcorn Balls Recipes

SOFT AND CHEWY POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add in marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth.
• Add in food coloring until desired color.
• Add in vanilla (be careful it doesn't splash on you when it hits the hot marshmallow mixture).
• Stir in popcorn and turn heat to low.
• Scoop out 6 piles of popcorn mixture and place in piles on waxed paper. Allow to cool until comfortable to touch, but still pliable.
• Shape into popcorn balls.
• Cover each ball with Saran wrap.

CHEWY POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Pop popcorn.
• Place in large bowl.
• Place all ingredients except for food coloring in saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture comes to full, rolling boil.
• Remove from heat.
• Add desired amount of food coloring.
• Pour over popcorn, stirring to coat well.
• Shape into balls with buttered hands.

BEST EVER POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
• Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

FRUIT AND POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Butter a very large bowl. Add popped popcorn and your selection of the 2 cups of fruit and/or nuts. I like 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chopped cashews.
• Heat brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and juice until just boiling. Pour over dry ingredients in bowl.
• Butter hands with additional butter or cooking spray and form into tennis size balls. Compact lightly to get the mixture to hold a ball shape. Set aside. Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap.
• Option: The balls can be drizzled with melted chocolate for gift giving. I like to use white chocolate on the cranberry/ cashew ones. After wrapping with plastic wrap, I tie with a burgandy colored ribbon.