Caramel Popcorn Balls!

So for a family function in September, we decided to make Caramel Popcorn Balls!  It was Czeck family gathering at the home farm near Foley.

We wanted to make Caramel Popcorn balls.  I know that Aunt Aggie, used to make them every year at Halloween, so I called her daughter Maureen for the recipe!    So this recipe comes from the DeGross family!

Caramel Popcorn Balls with Chocolate (Photo Credit to Cousin Terry)

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS

First we popped 2 batches of pop corn in the air-popper.  (About a total of 1 cup of un popped corn.  We did it in 2 batches (1/2c each).  DO NOT SALT THE POPCORN!

For the Caramel:

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Heavy whipping cream

1 cup Caro syrup

1 tsp salt.

Bring to boil.  Keep Stirring.  You need to bring the mixture to 242-248 degrees.  It will get foamy and start getting thick.  if you don't have a candy thermometer, you can use the "Firm Ball test"  Firm ball: Forms a firm ball that will not flatten when removed from water, but remains malleable and will flatten when squeezed. 

When it's done, add  1 tsp Vanilla.  Stir in and then pour over popcorn.  Wearing rubber gloves with butter on can help form the balls.  if you caramel, wasn't quite hot enough, you might have to let it sit a bit longer before forming balls.  If you got it too hot(very firm ball), You may ned to form balls immediately!

Enjoy!