Happy Halloween! Popcorn balls became popular in the 1950s when people handed out homemade goodies to kids for trick-or-treat. Below are pictures of the cooking steps. Here is the recipe my family uses(it is tripled in the pictures below):
POPCORN BALLS
8 cups popped corn
2/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup white Karo syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
food coloring is optional
Put sugar, syrup, and salt in a pan.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pb-step-1-413x450.jpg)
Add food coloring.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pb1-450x410.jpg)
Cook on stovetop, stirring frequently until all the sugar is melted and the mixture boils.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pb-2-359x450.jpg)
Add the vanilla, stir, and then pour over the popcorn.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PB3-450x412.jpg)
Stir the popcorn until the kernels are all coated with the sticky syrup.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PB4-450x308.jpg)
While it is still warm, form the popcorn into balls like you’re making a snowball. Works best if you put some butter or other food oil on the hands so the popcorn doesn’t stick to you.
![](https://shelleyjonesclark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pop-398x450.jpg)