Ooey, Gooey, Sticky, Chewy {Recipe: Can't Lose Popcorn Balls}

Popcorn balls are one of my favorite treats this time of year. This recipe is one that I used to make when I was a teen; it originally comes from 'Teen Magazine. Warning: you need strong teeth, they're chewy! 🚫for those who have braces. 

Can't Lose Popcorn Balls

12 cups popped popcorn
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts 
1 cup raisins
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1-14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine popcorn, peanuts, and raisins in an extra large mixing bowl; set aside.

2. In a heavy saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt; mix well. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 230ºF on a candy thermometer or until a small amount dripped into cold water forms a soft ball. Once soft ball stage is reached, remove mixture from heat, let cool slightly (about one minute), then stir in butter and vanilla. 

3. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn mixture; toss to coat. With well buttered hands, quickly shape coated popcorn into approximately 3" balls. Be very careful when forming the balls that the caramel is not too hot, it can burn your hands! Keep cold water close by just in case you get some caramel that is too hot on your hands. This part is a tricky, you don't want to wait for the caramel to cool too much, or else the popcorn won't stick together. Place popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat; let stand at room temperature until completely cool. Loosely cover or wrap individually with plastic wrap. 

Makes 12 to 14 popcorn balls

Note: There were several peanuts left over on the bottom of the bowl after forming the balls, so I chopped them up and set aside. I then melted about 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips in the microwave (for 1 minute, stir, and about 30 seconds more), and drizzled the chocolate over the popcorn balls. I finished the popcorn balls off by sprinkling the chopped peanuts on top. I placed the tray of popcorn balls into the freezer for about 15 minutes to harden the chocolate. 

Happy Halloween!