Eggnog Popcorn Balls Recipe
TIME/SERVINGS
Total: 40 mins
Active: 10 mins
Makes: 6 (3-inch) popcorn balls
By CHOW Food Team
The combination of vanilla, nutmeg, and pecans gives these popcorn balls all the flavor of eggnog without the booze.
Special equipment: You’ll need a reliable candy/fat thermometer for this recipe. We like this one by CDN.
Game plan: The popcorn balls will last up to 5 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
This recipe was featured as part of our Popcorn Balls for the Holidays project.
INGREDIENTS
- 9 cups plain popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.
- Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Place over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, nutmeg, and vanilla until melted and smooth.
- Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn. Add pecans and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
- Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 3-inch rounds. Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.
COMMENTS | ADD YOUR OWN
Really enjoyed this (tho' not a hit with teenagers). I used "butternut" flavoring from King Arthur, instead of vanilla. Very, very good.
This would also make a good binder for nut clusters.
Trader Joe's has a treat in their "new" section right now--small squares of coated nuts dipped on one side in dark choc. Thinking they'd make an easy addition to the holiday candy tray.
The eggnog twist would be good with nuts.