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I get it. With the holidays here, who has time to make a popcorn ball, let alone one that is embellished with candy corn to make it look like a turkey? Usually, I’m not into kitschy food, but there are several reasons I love these turkeys. One, I love popcorn in any form. Two, the holidays are the time to do things we just usually don’t take the time to do. Kids and adults will both find these fun and delicious. When having people over for a festive meal, it’s just a bonus to have something special they can nibble on at each plate. And believe me, if I were served these as a guest, I would not be able to wait until the meal. Turkey-shaped or not, these popcorn balls are a must, even if you hide them all to yourself and enjoy them after everyone leaves!
It’s the holidays: why not go all out and make something (somewhat) time-consuming? Enjoy!
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Turkey-Shaped Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 12-14 cups popped popcorn (½ cup unpopped kernels)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
For the decorations
- 48 pieces candy corn
- 16 pieces candy eyes
- 1 egg white
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
For the popcorn balls
- Pop the popcorn in 1 tablespoon oil and set aside in a large bowl. Personally, I use a Stir Crazy (affiliate link), but a large heavy-bottom kettle with a lid works well too.12-14 cups popped popcorn (½ cup unpopped kernels)
- In a 4-quart heavy-bottom kettle, combine the granulated sugar, water, molasses, butter, salt, and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture begins to boil. Continue to boil until the temperature reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.½ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup water, 3 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir to combine until the mixture is lighter in color and foamy.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pour over prepared popcorn.
- Stir until all the popcorn is coated in the caramel mixture. Allow to cool slightly and become sticky, 3-5 minutes.
- With wet hands (wet with water), create balls approximately 3 inches in diameter. If the balls are not sticking together, allow popcorn additional time to cool.
- Adhere the candy corn with royal icing.
For the optional decorations
- Whisk the egg white until foamy. Add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth and thick.1 egg white, 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- Use a drop of frosting where candy corn pieces are desired. Place candy and allow it to dry before moving on.48 pieces candy corn
- Repeat with candy eyes. The icing holds best if it is thick and is allowed ample time to dry with each piece of candy.16 pieces candy eyes
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Can you use a meat thermometer instead of a candy thermometer .
As long as your thermometer goes up to the desired temperature, it should work!