MouseTV Craft Project - Make Popcorn Balls!

Corn has been grown in America for a long time, first by the Native North Americans and then by the settlers and pioneers who came over from Europe. Here’s a tasty treat that you can make from popcorn. In the olden’ days, the popcorn balls would have been made with molasses. In our recipe, we use melted caramel candies. Have mom or dad help you follow the instructions below, and then enjoy your homemade popcorn balls!

Ingredients:
60 bite-sized caramel candies (unwrapped)
¼ cup of water
1 gallon popped corn (about ½ cup before popping)

What you will need:
Saucepan
Spoon
Large bowl or roasting pan
Waxed paper

What you should do:
Put the popcorn in the large bowl. Put the caramels and water in the saucepan, heat on a medium-low heat and stir continually. When the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth, pour it over all the popcorn. Wet your hands with water so the caramel won’t stick to them and begin shaping the popcorn mixture into balls the size of baseballs. Set the balls on the waxed paper. They will be firm in about one hour (or sooner if you put them in the refrigerator to cool). This makes about 16 popcorn balls.

To find out more about the early American settlers and their activities, visit your local library and borrow the book, Westward Ho! written by Laurie Carlson.