CANDY CANE POPCORN BALLS

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Candy Cane Popcorn Balls image

When I was a little girl, my mother and I made these popcorn balls for family and friends at Christmas. Now my husband and I carry on the tradition, turning out more than 250 each December-and still our list keeps growing!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 quarts popped popcorn
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
24 miniature candy canes

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large greased bowl or roasting pan; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the water, baking soda and vanilla; set aside. , In a heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and butter; heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Add sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reaches 230° (thread stage), about 2 minutes., Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla mixture (mixture will foam) until blended. Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Cool for about 5 minutes, stirring several times. , When cool enough to handle, firmly shape with buttered hands into 2-in. balls. Insert straight end of candy cane in the center of each ball.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 155mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

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