Catholic Recipe: Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are a universal favorite. Try the variations: Chocolate Popcorn Balls, Peppermint Popcorn Balls, Spicy Popcorn Balls or Polka Dot Popcorn.

DIRECTIONS

Place popped corn in large bowl; set aside. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter or margarine in saucepan. Place over low heat; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cook over medium heat to 270° or until a small amount of syrup dropped in cold water separates into threads that are hard but not brittle. Pour syrup over popped corn; toss lightly. Shape into balls with lightly buttered hands. Makes approximately 12 popcorn balls.

Chocolate Popcorn Balls: Follow basic recipe, adding 1/2 package semisweet chocolate pieces to sugar-corn syrup mixture.

Peppermint Popcorn Balls: Follow basic recipe, adding 1/4 teaspoon peppermint flavoring and few drops pink food coloring to syrup just before pouring over popcorn.

Spicy Popcorn Balls: Follow basic recipe, adding few drops oil of cloves and few drops red food coloring just before pouring over popcorn.

Polka Dot Popcorn Balls: Follow basic recipe, adding 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup peanuts to popped corn before adding syrup.