Jack-o'-Lantern Popcorn Balls |
|
 |
Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 8 |
|
Kids will have a ball with this Halloween favorite from trick-or-treats past. The cute candy faces add whimsy to the crispy, crunchy snack. -Melissa Hayes, Hundred, West Virginia Ingredients:
4 quarts popped popcorn |
2 cups sugar |
1-1/2 cups water |
1/2 cup light corn syrup |
1 teaspoon white vinegar |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
yellow and red food coloring |
2 to 3 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each) |
1/4 cup vanilla frosting |
8 candy spearmint leaves |
Directions:
1. Place popcorn in a roasting pan; keep warm in a 200° oven.
2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 250° (hard-ball stage).
3. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla and food coloring (about 1 teaspoon yellow and 9 drops red) until blended. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until coated. When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-1/2-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Cut triangles and rectangles from candy bars for pumpkin eyes, noses and mouths. In a small bowl, combine the frosting with 5 drops of yellow and 3 drops of red food coloring; attach facial features with frosting. Attach a spearmint leaf to the top of each. Yield: 8 servings.
|
|