Halloween is such an exciting time of year . . . the anticipation of all that candy is overwhelming kids everywhere!

When I was young we lived in a rural area where everyone knew their neighbors and there weren’t hundreds of kids going door to door.  Needless to say, every neighbor tried to out-do the other when it came to Halloween . . . there were no miniature candy bars given out . . . it was full-size candy, or cute little bags of candy,  and if course lots of homemade treats {sigh, those were they days when we could do that, right}.  My favorite was always the popcorn balls – especially the caramel popcorn.  I still have a thing for popcorn of any kind –  and I love caramel popcorn {definitely has to be soft and gooey – not hard and tough}.

So you can’t pass out homemade goodies at the door anymore, but you can make these popcorn balls for your family and friends – they will love them!   This recipe is fabulous because it gives you that amazing caramel flavor without a lot of fuss – you don’t even need a candy thermometer.   It’s so quick and easy you have no excuse for not making them this weekend!!  {Warning:  this popcorn can be highly addictive!}

You’ll want to have your kids help make the popcorn balls -just spray their hands with cooking spray and they will have so much fun!  I added a Wilton lollipop stick and wrapped them in a cellophane treat bag.

And just a reminder – Caramel Popcorn Balls are great for Halloween and Thanksgiving Treats; but don’t forget Christmas is right around the corner, so keep this recipe handy – you’ll want it for fast and easy Christmas goodies also:

Of course the best thing about this popcorn is you really don’t have to share if you don’t want to – just mix a bowl for yourself and turn on a favorite movie!

Soft Caramel Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 rounded cups mini marshmallows (or about 25 large)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
18 cups popped corn (about 6 tablespoons of kernels)

Directions:

Pop corn and set aside in a large bowl.  {I like to remove any unpopped kernels – nothing worse than biting into those!}

In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat.  Add brown sugar and let cook just one  minute and then add salt and vanilla.  Add marshmallows and stir until melted.  Immediately pour over popcorn and coat completely.  Let cool for just a few minutes or until you can handle it.  Spray your hands with cooking spray and form 8 popcorn balls (approx. 3 inches).  Of course you can just spread it on a tray to cool and serve it in a bowl if you’d rather.

Have fun with these!!  You may also like:

Peanut Butter Popcorn
Cupid Corn (just switch out the m&ms for seasonal color)