The Best Popcorn Balls Ever!

Martha Stewart's Popcorn Balls With My Twist



I was randomly stumbling last week looking for things to do during this Christmas season.  I happened to stumble across Martha Stewart's Popcorn Balls.  I had never made popcorn balls before but these sure did look simple and of course yummy.  I decided to give them a whirl   I couldn't find toffee candy for the life of me and I knew my children wouldn't like the cranberries added to them, so I replaced that ingredient with honey roasted peanuts!  Oh my goodness I am so glad that I did.  These turned out to be the best popcorn balls ever!  The honey roasted peanuts were the perfect touch that brought the sweet creamy glaze together with the white air popped popcorn.  I have tried several popcorn balls in the past but was never really fond of them.  This recipe has changed my taste buds on this semi-sweet treat.  These popcorn balls were the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, creamy and light.  I highly recommend giving these a whirl.

Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering hands

1 package miniature marshmallows (10 ounces)

1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

3 quarts popped popcorn ( I did white plain air popped popcorn)

1/2 cup of Honey Roasted Peanuts

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large heavy pot over low heat. 
2. Add marshmallows and brown sugar and stir until melted. 
3. Remove from heat. Pour popcorn and peanuts, or English toffee bits if using, into pot; toss well. 
4. With buttered hands, shape into 2 1/2-inch balls. Set on parchment lined baking sheet to dry slightly.

I found that the top layer of the popcorn balls had less glaze on them than the popcorn on the bottom.  Make sure to mix well for an even coating.  Or you can have some light popcorn balls and some super glazed ones (that's what I did)  Both are amazing!

Yields about 12 popcorn balls

Brief Introduction

I am very new to blogging.  I am sure there is an etiquette to follow, and I am sure I will learn the ins and outs in no time.  Welcome!  Glad you stopped by. The last year and a half of my life I have been on an amazing journey of self discovery.  Nothing like a terrifying event to help get your life in perspective :-)  Since I have been growing as an individual I also have grown as a mother and as a wife.  All of these characters make me who I am today.  I have been married for over 12 years to my best friend.  Together we have 4 children.  3 girls one boy, ages 12, 10, 8, and 5.  They keep us very busy but we love it.  I am completing this upcoming week, my first 12 early childhood education units, and after I get my hours under my belt, I will be applying for my permit.  I hope to one day be a Preschool teacher.  I love working with children, especially children in the age group of 3-5.  Going back to school has been an exciting and amazing experience.  I have thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to continuing my education in the fall.  Looking forward to many more blog posts as I rant and rave, or write creatively and inspirational; ether way, it is me just being me :-)