Post by chief_cook2 on Aug 16, 2005 6:13:57 GMT -6
Fruit and Popcorn Balls
9-10 Cups popped popcorn
¾ Cup packed brown sugar
¼ apple juice or water
3 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
¼ tsp. Salt
2 Cups raisins, fruit bits, and/or diced apricots
½ cup roasted peanuts (optional)
1. Butter a very large bowl and set aside
2. Combine brown sugar, apple juice, butter, corn syrup, and
salt in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Boil over medium heat 5-6 minutes or
until mixture is slightly thickened (or 250 º F. on a candy
thermometer).
3. Place popcorn, dried fruit, and peanuts in buttered bowl.
Immediately drizzle hot sugar mixture over popcorn and fruit,
stirring quickly with wooden spoon.
4. With buttered hands, quickly press mixture into balls 3 –4
inches in diameter, or, for bars, press into 9 x 13 pan. Cool.
5. Wrap balls or bars in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon.
Can be made up to two days ahead.
Makes 9-12 balls or 15 bars.
9-10 Cups popped popcorn
¾ Cup packed brown sugar
¼ apple juice or water
3 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
¼ tsp. Salt
2 Cups raisins, fruit bits, and/or diced apricots
½ cup roasted peanuts (optional)
1. Butter a very large bowl and set aside
2. Combine brown sugar, apple juice, butter, corn syrup, and
salt in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Boil over medium heat 5-6 minutes or
until mixture is slightly thickened (or 250 º F. on a candy
thermometer).
3. Place popcorn, dried fruit, and peanuts in buttered bowl.
Immediately drizzle hot sugar mixture over popcorn and fruit,
stirring quickly with wooden spoon.
4. With buttered hands, quickly press mixture into balls 3 –4
inches in diameter, or, for bars, press into 9 x 13 pan. Cool.
5. Wrap balls or bars in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon.
Can be made up to two days ahead.
Makes 9-12 balls or 15 bars.