POP'S MOLASSES POPCORN BALLS & TAFFY

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Pop's Molasses Popcorn Balls & Taffy image

This recipe has been in our family for over 100 years. My dad's mother would make & pull this taffy on a big hook that was on her kitchen doorway. She would then sell it at the local market in Alberta, Canada. I grew up making this with my family every fall. As soon as the weather got cool, we always knew it was popcorn ball &...

Provided by Dee Stillwell

Categories     Popcorn

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 c sugar
1 c light karo syrup
1/2 c dark molasses (2/3cup for more intense flavor)
1/4 c butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c water

Steps:

  • 1. We always double this recipe so we have enough to make taffy and popcorn balls. My pop always made 2 double batches. In a large 4 quart saucepan with handle, mix all ingredients together. Over med heat, bring to boil, stirring frequently. Tip the pan slightly to melt the sugar crystals on the sides, scraping down with a wooden spoon. Continue to boil to the hard crack stage (300-310 degrees on a candy thermemeter) or until it threads and turns hard when drizzled into a cup of cold water (the method my Pop used). Have a huge bowl ready with the popcorn in it with plenty of room to stir hot syrup into the popcorn. Also have butter and a bowl of cold water handy. If you are making taffy, also butter a few plates, depending on how many people are pulling taffy. Pour syrup over popcorn while someone quickly stirs the batch. Be careful to keep hands out of the way of the syrup as it causes bad burns. Everyone making the popcorn balls should butter their hands and dip them in the cold water. Quickly grab up some of the mixture and form into a ball about 2-3" around. Work quickly as it hardens fast and will burn your hands if you don't. A few years ago, I found popcorn ball molds on the internet. These are great, especially for the kids.
  • 2. To make taffy: pour about 1 cup of syrup on each greased plate. Let cool awhile so u can start handling it. Be careful as it is very hot. As soon as you can handle it like a hot potato, start pulling it between your hands, until a light golden brown is achieved. The longer you pull it the lighter it becomes. Twist into a long rope about 3/4 inch thick. Put on buttered plate to harden and cool. Break apart and store in airtight container or wrap individually in candy wrappers. Taffy will stick together if you don't keep it sererated. Have fun and I hope this recipe becomes a family tradition for you as well.

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