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Old-Time Popcorn Balls

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Total Time
Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Oct. 13, 2022

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. —LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Candy Thermometers

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.
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Old-Time Popcorn Balls

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Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 15 min
Yield 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Text Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well.
  2. Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts

1 popcorn ball: 170 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

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