Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

This is a fun, different, once-a-year alternative to either krispy rice squares or regular popcorn balls...I find that a whole cup of candy corn is difficult to work in as their density causes them to sink to the bottom of the bowl and there's only so many I can work into each ball. Plus as I make them for adults we don't necessarily want that much candy. All of that aside, I try to make them as "real" as possible with stovetop-popped corn, non-HFCS candy corns and even homemade vanilla marshmallow cream (using the recipe in Jennie's Splendid Ice Creams at Home), which is less sweet than the storebought version and stays "shapeable" longer. Overall it's a bit plebian but it gets raves and I don't mind making them occasionally when requested.

I made two batches and while the first batch was delicious, it was far too gooey and marshmallowey (if that's a word!). The second time I doubled the amount of popcorn and they turned out beautifully. The key is to stir everything really well before you form the balls to ensure even distribution of marshmallow and candy corn. Also spray Pam on your hands before you begin to form them. I formed the balls and laid them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. Then I wrapped each one in plastic wrap before storing all in a plastic container. I made them for two different Halloween parties, and they were a hit!

This came out great! I made a few modifications though, I added an extra cup of popcorn to make it a little less sweet, and a sprinkling of ground nutmeg. It was very sticky so I had to coat my hands with oil a few times while forming the balls. I would definitely make these again.

These were super easy to make and great for a Halloween party. Regular microwave popcorn is usually too buttery for me anyway, so I used PopSecret Homestyle which was perfect. You definitely need to wait 5 min before shaping the balls. It's much easier then.