Popcorn Balls

I needed to bring a salty snack to Anna-Kate's Valentine's party at school. I tried so hard to think of something fun and new to make that was salty... that a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds would eat. I was stumped but a couple of friends suggested popcorn balls. I know these weren't salty really, but I thought it would be fun to try! 

I found Paula Deen's recipe and decided to go with hers! 

Here's what you need:

2 cups sugar

1 1/3 cups water

1/2 cup corn light syrup

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

18 cups popped corn

First, you combine the sugar, water, syrup, vinegar and salt. 

You cook it over high heat until the mixture reaches the hardball stage on a candy thermometer. We do not own a candy thermometer, so I just got a cup of cold water and kept dropping a bit of the mixture in the water until it formed a hard ball. 

Anna-Kate and I played while Derek waited on the sugar water to get done! :)

Next you stir in the vanilla and pour it over the popcorn. Most of the comments I read said to let the mixture cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the popcorn, so that's what we did. 

Then you just form it into balls- be careful not to burn yourself. You have to work fast because it will harden quick! I made it into smaller balls so the other moms wouldn't be too mad at me for the sugary treat. ha! 

I guess this is where I have to admit that I have never actually eaten a popcorn ball... so I had no idea what to expect! These were super sticky and sweet. Personally, I do not like things that stick to my teeth and feel like they could pull out a tooth but Derek and Anna-Kate loved them. The kids that tried them liked them too!