Here’s a combination that will play well with almost any situation — snack, dessert, party treat … whatever.
And it’s super-easy to create. Even your children will enjoy it.
There’s little do0ubt you will nibble while making this recipe … and who can blame you? Popcorn, peanuts, vanilla, maple syrup — mmmmmm.
This recipe will make 18 Country Cousin Popcorn Balls.
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Ingredients …
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup apple juice or water
2/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tsp. vanilla
4 quarts warm popped popcorn
1 cup honey-roasted, unsalted or salted peanuts
1 8-ounce package chopped dates (1-1/2 cups)
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Directions …
Combine sugar, apple juice, syrup, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Remove sugar from sides of pan with a wet brush.
Cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 270 degrees Fahrenheit, or the soft crack stage on a candy thermometer.
Add vanilla.
Pour mixture over popped popcorn, peanuts and dates; mix well. Wet or butter hands and shape into 3-inch balls.
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Notes …
1 ounce of unpopped popcorn kernels (2 tablespoons household measure) makes approximately 1 quart of popped popcorn.
For more popcorn recipes, go online to www.popcorn.org.