Mary's Sweet & Crunchy Popcorn Delights
Mary's Sweet & Crunchy Popcorn Delights are a beloved tradition in the Hill household. These delightful treats are perfect for any festive occasion, providing a delightful mix of crunch and sweetness that's hard to resist. Once they're out of the kitchen, they're gone in no time, making them a hit with everyone who tries them. Don't worry if you can't keep up with the counting—they're meant to be enjoyed!
45
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
2 cups (packed)
Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
1 can (14 ounces) (none)
Karo syrup
1 cup (none)
margarine
1/2 cup (cubed)
popped popcorn
4 gallons (freshly popped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the brown sugar, condensed milk, Karo syrup, and margarine.
2
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
3
Once the mixture begins to boil, continue stirring and let it boil for exactly 5 minutes. This will help thicken the syrupy coating.
4
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the freshly popped popcorn in a large, heat-resistant bowl or pan.
5
Use a long-handled spoon to gently stir and ensure all the popcorn is evenly coated with the sugar syrup.
6
Allow the popcorn to cool until it's comfortable to handle but still warm enough to be pliable.
7
With slightly moistened hands, form the coated popcorn into balls of desired size, making sure they hold together firmly.
8
Place each popcorn ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mary's Sweet & Crunchy Popcorn Delights?
Mary's Sweet & Crunchy Popcorn Delights are a beloved tradition in the Hill household, offering a delightful mix of crunch and sweetness perfect for festive occasions.
How many ingredients are needed for this popcorn recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: brown sugar, Eagle Brand Condensed Milk, Karo syrup, margarine, and popped popcorn.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of packed brown sugar.
What specific type of milk is used in the syrup?
The recipe specifies one 14-ounce can of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk.
How much Karo syrup do I need?
You will need 1 cup of Karo syrup.
How is the margarine prepared before cooking?
The 1/2 cup of margarine should be cubed before adding it to the pot.
How much popped popcorn does this recipe use?
This recipe requires 4 gallons of freshly popped popcorn.
What is the first step in making the syrup?
Combine the brown sugar, condensed milk, Karo syrup, and margarine in a large pot.
What heat setting should be used for the syrup mixture?
The mixture should be heated over medium heat.
How long should I boil the syrup mixture?
Once the mixture begins to boil, let it boil for exactly 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
Why do I need to boil the mixture for exactly 5 minutes?
Boiling the mixture for 5 minutes helps thicken the syrupy coating for the popcorn.
Why is constant stirring important while heating the syrup?
Stirring ensures all ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
What should I use to mix the hot syrup with the popcorn?
Use a long-handled spoon to gently stir and ensure all the popcorn is evenly coated.
What kind of bowl is best for coating the popcorn?
A large, heat-resistant bowl or pan is recommended to handle the hot syrup.
When is the right time to form the popcorn into balls?
Form the balls once the popcorn has cooled enough to be comfortable to handle but is still warm enough to be pliable.
How can I prevent the popcorn from sticking to my hands while shaping?
Use slightly moistened hands when forming the popcorn balls to prevent sticking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 45 servings.
What should I place the popcorn balls on to cool?
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dessert and snack recipe.
Can these popcorn treats be served for holidays?
Absolutely, they are described as perfect for any festive occasion and tagged for holiday use.
What is the texture of Mary's Popcorn Delights?
They offer a delightful mix of crunchy popcorn and a sweet, syrupy coating.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Does the popcorn need to be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using freshly popped popcorn for the best results.
What size should the popcorn balls be?
You can form them into balls of any desired size, as long as they hold together firmly.
Are there any tips for ensuring even coating?
Use a long-handled spoon and stir gently but thoroughly in a large bowl.
Is margarine required, or can I use butter?
The recipe specifically lists margarine, but it is often used similarly to butter in such syrup-based treats.
What are some of the tags for this recipe?
Tags include popcorn, balls, sweet, crunchy, dessert, easy, festive, snack, treat, holiday, and homemade.
How quickly do these treats disappear?
According to the description, once they are out of the kitchen, they are gone in no time.
Should the syrup be poured all at once?
The instructions state to carefully pour the hot syrup over the popcorn; pouring steadily while stirring helps with even distribution.
Is there a specific brand of syrup mentioned?
The recipe calls for Karo syrup.