The history of popcorn balls and how to make them
Winter holidays always bring to mind images of popcorn. Whether you hang it from the tree or eat it out of a holiday popcorn tin at Grandma’s, it’s definitely an American comfort food that’s a warm treat during cold weather. One of the most popular forms of popcorn eaten during the holiday season is the popcorn ball; some people would even say that they are a popular holiday food because you can eat them or use them as a Christmas decoration. Although for most Americans popcorn balls are associated with winter, according to legend, they began during the summer.
Where did the idea for popcorn balls come from?
If you believe the Nebraska myth, popcorn balls just happened naturally. On a hot, rainy summer day, legend has it that two Nebraska courses were experiencing different extremes in weather. In a field where sugar cane was growing, the crop was receiving a deluge of warm rain. Next door, a cornfield was in direct sunlight being scorched by the summer sun. The rain washed the sugarcane downhill into the neighboring cornfield, where the heat was so scorching that the corn jumped off the stalks! The syrupy cane sugar washed over the exploding corn kernels, rolling them into balls as it went. But then the grasshoppers ate all the balls, so the farmers were forced to try to recreate the phenomenon – making the snack we know now!
Obviously, this is a pretty far-fetched myth. But no matter how these treats started, Americans love to eat them. Fortunately, they’re available to buy, but they’re also pretty easy to make at home.
How are popcorn balls made?
There are many different ways to create the gooey treat. You can make them with simple syrup for a kettle-type popcorn ball or with caramel for an even gooier treat. This is the easiest and fastest way to pop some popcorn balls in no time.
1. Pop a bowl of popcorn in the microwave or on the stove.
2. Melt 26 caramels with 2 teaspoons of water in the microwave or in a double boiler.
3. For the fudge on top of your popcorn.
4. Mix gently and form balls.
5. Place the balls on a cookie sheet or wax paper to cool and harden.
You can also decorate the treats with sprinkles, add food coloring for a variety of ball colors, or form them around popsicle sticks to provide a convenient way to eat the gooey suckers. You can also add nuts, chocolate, or candy to the mix for variety.
No matter how you choose to prepare your popcorn balls, have fun making them! They are an American Christmas tradition that has been in families for generations and is sure to stick.