Grandmas Candy Popcorn Recipes

CANDY POPCORN

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pan over a medium to high heat. Add the popping corn and cover. Shake the pan occasionally, until the popping stops. Or, the other option is to use the microwave or a popcorn maker.
• Transfer the popped corn to a large bowl, removing any unpopped corn kernels. If you have a seriously large metallic bowl you can later pour in the candy over the top of the popcorn -The bowl must be big enough to be able to toss the popcorn without it spilling over.
• Using a heavy based pan, combine the sugar, water and food colouring. Stir over heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved . Use the largest saucepan/boiler that you can find.
• Please stand-by the stove whilst the candy is boiling, you will need to stir the mixture frequently. Bring to the boil. Boil uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. The temperature should be 150°C using a candy thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer drop a teaspoon of the candy mixture into a glass of water- the mixture should crack.
• Remove the candy mixture from the heat. Add the popcorn and stir quickly (and I do mean quickly!) to coat the popcorn with the candy.
• Spread the popcorn on foil lined trays to cool. Separate the popcorn as it is cooling with a wooden spoon or hands (be careful it is not too hot though!).
• Store in an airtight container for 3 - 4 days. The candied popcorn is best eaten after the candy has fully set and dried.

GRANDMA'S POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In large pot mix well the sugar, Kayro syrup, vinegar and bring to boil. Continue until mixture reaches the Hard Crack Stage on candy thermometer.
• Remove from heat and quickly stir in popped popcorn. Butter your hands and scoop enough coated mixture to form baseball sized balls.
• You have to work quickly as the coating will harden very fast. When cooled, wrap in wax paper, twisting to close.
• Preparation and cooking time does not include time to pop popcorn.
• Cooking time varies with weather conditions.

CHOCOLATE POPCORN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Oil a 10x15 inch baking pan with sides.
• Place popcorn and peanuts into a large, metal bowl, and set aside. Stir together the sugar, corn syrup, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla, then pour over the popcorn. Stir until the popcorn is well coated. Spread the popcorn into the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring several times.
• Remove from the oven, and allow to cool to room temperature. Break into small clumps, and store in an airtight container.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
• Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.
• Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
• Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
• Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.