Halloween Popcorn Balls
Homemade caramel popcorn balls are a sweet treat and make a great alternative to store-bought candy. Serve as a party snack or place in festive bags so guests can take them to go — either way, they're sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 4-6 quarts (16-24 cups) popped corn (make sure to remove unpopped kernels)
- Black and/or orange food coloring
Preparation:
- Divide popped corn evenly and place each half in a medium-sized, heatproof bowl sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Combine 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Pour in 1/2 can condensed milk. Return to a boil and let boil for five minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract and black food coloring.
- Pour hot caramel over popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Grease hands with butter and form mixture into balls.
- Place formed balls on a non-stick cookie sheet or wax paper to cool.
- Repeat steps 2-7, using orange food coloring instead of black.
- Once cooled, stack popcorn balls in a festive bowl or place in Halloween-themed favor bags and tie closed with a ribbon. Makes 25-30 balls.