Caramel Popcorn Balls

by the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

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Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of.  "Caramel Popcorn Balls."  31 August 2006.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/caramel-popcorn-balls-recipe.htm>  29 August 2008.

Caramel Popcorn Balls Photo
Caramel Popcorn Balls
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 balls
Ingredients:
16
cups plain popped popcorn (do not use buttered popcorn)

1
package (14 ounces) caramels

1/4
cup butter

Pinch of salt

1-2/3
cups shredded coconut

1
package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

10
to 12 lollipop sticks

Halloween sprinkles and decorations (optional)



Preparation:
1.
Place popcorn in large bowl.

2.
Place caramels and butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Cook and stir until caramels and butter are melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt and coconut. Remove caramel mixture from heat; pour over popcorn. With large wooden spoon, mix until popcorn is evenly coated. Let cool slightly.

3.
Place chocolate chips in microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave on HIGH for additional 30-second intervals until chips are completely melted, stirring after each 30-second interval. Stir until smooth.

4.
When popcorn mixture is cool enough to handle, grease hands with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Shape popcorn mixture into baseball-sized balls; place 1 lollipop stick in each ball. Dip each popcorn ball into melted chocolate and roll in Halloween decorations, if desired. Place on waxed paper until chocolate is set.


Variation: Pour melted chocolate over caramel popcorn mixture; mix by hand until popcorn is coated with chocolate. Spread evenly on baking sheet lined with waxed paper until chocolate is set.



This recipe appears in: Halloween