Holiday Popcorn Balls

Old-Time Holiday Popcorn Balls are good anytime. Traditionally they were a favorite for fall holidays since that was harvest time and popcorn and molasses were in abundance.

Old-Time Holiday Popcorn Balls Recipe

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Place the popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, combine the molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until the mixture reaches 235 degrees F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).

Add the baking soda and stir well.

Remove from the heat and immediately pour over the popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until the popcorn is well coated. When it's cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

These popcorn balls are great any time but it's fun to keep up the fall tradition and pass them out at Halloween are as stocking stuffers at Christmas.

Molasses has a strong and distinctive taste, however it really mellows down in this recipe. The finished Holiday Popcorn Balls tastes just like caramel corn!