MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06

     Title: Popcorn Balls
Categories: Grains, Candy, Novelty
     Yield: 24 Servings

     2    Bags plain microwave popcorn
          - (3 oz ea) -OR-
   2/3 c  Kernels -OR-
    18 c  Popped popcorn
 2 1/3 c  Confectioners' sugar (280 g)
 1 1/4 c  Mini marshmallows (63 g)
   3/4 c  Light corn syrup (180 ml)
   1/4 c  Unsalted butter (57 g);
          - extra for greasing
   1/2 ts Kosher salt
          Food coloring (optional)

MMMMM--------------------------MIX-INS-------------------------------
          Candy corn
          M&M's
          Gummy worms
          Pretzels; crushed
          Cookies; crumbled
          Sprinkles

 Set the oven @ 200 F/93 C with the rack in the center position. If
 using mix-ins, place them in individual bowls and set aside. If
 using microwave popcorn or kernels, pop according to package
 instructions. (you should have about 18 cups). Transfer popped
 popcorn to a sheet pan, picking out any unpopped kernels, and place
 them in the oven to keep warm.

 In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the confectioners'
 sugar, marshmallows, corn syrup, butter, 1 tb cold water, salt, and
 food coloring, if using. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently,
 until the marshmallows melt and the mixture is smooth, 6 to
 9 minutes. Remove from the heat.

 Transfer the popcorn to a mixing bowl large enough to comfortably
 hold all of the popcorn. Carefully add the hot marshmallow mixture,
 mixing gently with a spatula from the bottom of the bowl to ensure
 the popcorn is evenly coated. Allow the popcorn to cool slightly so
 the mixture doesn't burn your hands and the popcorn balls don't
 fall apart when shaping, about 5 minutes.

 Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Grease a 2 cup measuring cup
 and your hands with butter. Fill the measuring cup with the popcorn
 mixture; transfer to your hands and shape into a ball by gently
 squeezing it together. Place the ball on the sheet pan and continue
 with the rest, greasing your hands as needed. (You'll need to work
 fairly quickly so the mixture doesn't get cold. If the popcorn
 balls start to fall apart slightly on the sheet pan, don't panic.
 Give them another little squeeze.) If you'd like to add any
 candies, stick them in once you've formed a ball (see Tip). If
 using sprinkles, place them in a bowl, then roll the popcorn balls
 in the sprinkles.

 Once cool, wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap and store on the
 counter for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate.

 Tip: If you mix in the candies directly to the popcorn in the bowl,
 the candies will melt and their color will bleed into the mixture.
 For crushed pretzels, a small amount can be added directly to the
 mixture.

 Recipe by Naz Deravian

 Recipe FROM: https://cooking.nytimes.com

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