Kids of all ages love this timeless treat. Popcorn balls make a great Halloween handout or dessert for guests. The sweetness in this confection loves a salty counterpoint. Here's how we took this treat in a tricky direction: Ghost Salt for a fiery pop. Durango Hickory Smoked Salt or Vanilla Bean Sea Salt would be fun, too!
Ingredients:
12 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
3 Tbl butter
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Ghost Salt or your favorite flavored salt for sprinkling on the finished product
Directions:
In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Simmer over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat. Add the butter and Pure Vanilla Extract. 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. Once rolled, sprinkle with Ghost Salt or your favorite flavored salt.
Yield: 10 servings. Food coloring, optional.
