How to Make Pop's Molasses Popcorn Balls and Taffy - A Step-by-Step Guide

Pop's Molasses Popcorn Balls and Taffy are a classic treat that brings back memories of old-fashioned candy and homemade goodness. These sweet and sticky confections are a favorite for both kids and adults, and they are perfect for any occasion, from Halloween parties to family movie nights. The combination of molasses and popcorn creates a unique and irresistible flavor that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

One of the best things about Pop's Molasses Popcorn Balls and Taffy is tha...

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups popped popcorn, or as needed
  • ice water
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (such as Karo®)
  • ½ cup dark molasses
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 2 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 popcorn balls

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl, with room for mixing. Fill another bowl with ice water. Butter several plates, one per each person who will be pulling taffy.
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, molasses, water, butter, and salt in a large 6-quart saucepan over medium heat; attach a candy thermometer. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Tip the pan slightly to melt the sugar crystals on the sides, scraping down with a wooden spoon. Heat until the mixture registers 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 155 degrees C) on the thermometer or until a small amount of syrup drizzled into cold water turns hard, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Pour about 1 cup syrup onto each buttered plate. Let cool until safe to handle like a hot potato, 3 to 5 minutes. Pull syrup between your hands until a light golden brown color is achieved; the longer you pull it, the lighter it becomes. Twist into a long rope about 3/4-inch thick and place on back on a buttered plate to let taffy harden and cool. Break the hardened taffy apart.
  • Pour the remaining hot syrup carefully over popcorn, while someone else quickly stirs the batch. Butter your hands and dip them in the ice water; working quickly to avoid burns and before taffy hardens, grab some of the popcorn mixture and form into a 3-inch ball. Repeat with the remaining popcorn.
  • Nutrition

    312 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg
    • Sodium: 207mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 67g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 48g
    • Protein: 0g
    • Calcium: 36mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 213mg

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