The history of popcorn balls and how to make them
The winter holidays always bring to mind images of popcorn. Whether you hang it from the tree or eat it out of a tin of holiday popcorn 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 ball of popcorn; some people would even say 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 came naturally. On a hot and rainy summer day, legend has it that two Nebraska fields were experiencing different extremes in the weather. In a field where sugar cane grew, the crop was receiving a deluge of warm rain. Next door, a field of corn 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 was jumping off the stalks! Syrupy sugarcane washed over the exploding corn kernels, rolling them into balls as he went. But then, the grasshoppers ate all the balls, so the farmers were forced to try to recreate the phenomenon: make the snack we know today!
Obviously, this is a pretty far-fetched myth. But no matter how these treats got their start, Americans love to eat them. Fortunately, they’re readily 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 popcorn ball or with caramel for an even stickier treat. This is the easiest and fastest way to make some popcorn balls in no time.
1. Pop a bowl of popcorn in the microwave or on the stove.
2. Melt 26 candies with 2 teaspoons of water in the microwave or in a water bath.
3. For the sweet on top of your popcorn.
4. Mix gently and form into balls.
5. Place the balls on a cookie sheet or waxed paper to cool and firm up.
You can also decorate the treats with sprinkles, add food coloring for a variety of ball colors, or shape them around popsicle sticks to provide a convenient way to eat the sticky suckers. You can also add nuts, chocolate, or candy to the mix for variety.
No matter how you choose to pop 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 around.