Peanutty Popcorn Balls Recipes

Steps:

• Place popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and corn syrup to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Quickly pour over popcorn mixture and mix well., When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into ten 2-1/2-in. balls; insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Let stand at room temperature until firm; wrap in plastic.

Steps:

• In a medium nonstick saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows; cook, stirring, until melted, 10 to 12 minutes. In a large bowl, combine 12 cups plain unsalted popped popcorn (from 2/3 cup kernels), 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, and 1/2 cup raisins (be careful not to mix in any un-popped kernels).
• Pour melted marshmallows over popcorn mixture, and fold to combine. You will need to work quickly since the sugar in the marshmallows hardens as it cools. Rub a little butter into your hands to prevent sticking, and gently form 12 balls, each about 2 1/2 inches across; place on waxed paper. Let set until cool and firm, about 10 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and peanuts; set aside. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, peanut butter and salt. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 30-45 seconds or until bubbly; stir. Pour over popcorn mixture; mix well. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into two 2-1/2-in. balls. Let stand at room temperature until firm before wrapping in plastic wrap.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 225°F. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Melt butter in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup; cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil without stirring. Cook until mixture registers 245° to 248° on a candy thermometer, 2 to 4 minutes.
• Turn off heat; stir in molasses, salt, and baking soda to completely combine. Keep stirring until mixture turns very foamy and lightens in color and bubbles up quite a bit.
• Pour hot syrup over popcorn mixture and immediately sprinkle peanuts over top; stir until all kernels and nuts are coated. Let stand briefly. Meanwhile, put on a pair of rubber gloves and spray them with cooking spray (this isn't required, but it will help protect your hands from the heat, and it's important to work while the mixture is still warm).
• Working quickly, use your hands to form mixture into balls, each about 1 cup in volume (if you have a 1-cup scoop, use that!). Transfer balls to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all have been formed, go back and use your hands to press them into tighter balls, so they really hold together. Let stand 15 minutes.
• Bake 45 minutes. (If one or two balls fall apart during baking, let cool briefly, then re-form.) Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Steps:

• Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a large saucepan; cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in peanut butter until mixture is smooth.
• Place popcorn in a large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over popcorn; toss until evenly coated. Form into about 16 balls using buttered hands. Arrange balls on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; allow to dry and set, at least 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Place popcorn, candies, and peanuts in a large bowl, set aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
• Quickly pour over popcorn mixture and mix well.
• When cool enough to handle, shape into 10 2 1/2 in balls. Let stand at room temperature until firm.
• Wrap in plastic wrap.

Steps:

• In 5-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows; cook and stir about 10 minutes or until marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat.
• Add remaining ingredients; stir until well coated. Form into 15 balls, about 1/2 cup each. (If needed, spray hands with cooking spray to keep from sticking.) Wrap popcorn balls in waxed paper or foil.