Molasses Popcorn Balls
2020-02-22- Cuisine: Appalachian
- Course: Snack
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- Servings: 28
- Ready In: 30m
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Brings back many happy childhood memories when thinking about popcorn balls. My mom would spend precious time in the kitchen preparing these special treats for us kids to share. It is nice to be able to think of her and hope that someday my children will do the same.
This recipe makes 28 to 30 servings depending on how large a ball you make.
Ingredients
- 3 quarts popped corn
- 1 1/2 cups Molasses
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Method
Step 1
Pick over popped corn, discarding all hard kernels.
Step 2
Combine molasses,sugar, water, vinegar and salt; cook slowly, stirring constantly, to270 degrees F. (or when a small quantity dropped into cold water forms a hard ball).
Step 3
Remove from heat; add vanilla extract and shortening, stirring only enough to mix.
Step 4
Pour over popped corn, stirring constantly.
Step 5
Grease hands; shape lightly and quickly into balls. [If you squeeze too hard, you will crush the popcorn and it won’t be as good.]
Step 6
Cool. Wrap in Waxed paper, twisting the ends of the paper around the top of the ball.