Popcorn has been around since pioneer days.
Popcorn balls can be enjoyed as a holiday treat and colored orange for Halloween or red and green for Christmas. But popcorn balls can be made any time of year with a few basic ingredients. The sweet snack has been around for more than 150 years, according to the web site Culinary Historians of New York.
Fun Fact
Legend has it that severe weather in the Midwest helped to create the first popcorn balls in 1874, according to "American Eats" by Nelson Algren. When sizzling heat and heavy rain collided on a farm, the sun caused the corn to pop and the rain washed sugar-cane syrup onto the corn. The corn rolled through the syrup to form balls and the first popcorn treats were born.
Options
Popcorn balls can be made with corn popped from the kernel or with microwave popcorn. Maple syrup, corn syrup or a syrup of sugar and water can all be used as glue to make the popcorn stick together.
Recipe
Marshmallow popcorn balls can be made with three ingredients, according to a "Los Angeles Times" recipe. Pop eight cups of popcorn. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a pan and add marshmallows. Once melted, stir in popcorn until coated and use your hands to form small balls.
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