Chocolate Covered Popcorn Balls For Christmas

Popcorn balls are always a big hit at Halloween, but you don't often see chocolate covered popcorn balls for Christmas. Well - let's take care of that, shall we? These will be a great addition to any cookie tray, or a fun treat to send in to school with your kids (if your school still allows sweets to be sent in - mine doesn't).

This is easy enough that your children can also help make them once the popcorn has been coated with the sugar/water/corn syrup mixture. Just please do NOT allow them to help pour the hot sugar (and be careful yourself). Sugar at that high of a temperature can cause serious burns!

Now, I prefer air-popped popcorn or popcorn kernels popped in coconut oil on top of the stove. But I know that I am in the minority with that, so I giving you the instructions based on using microwave popcorn. If you have an air popper or want to make popcorn on the stovetop, I reaally suggest you use that instead!

Anyway - let's get to making Chocolate Covered Popcorn Balls For Christmas!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Sugar
• 1¼ cups Water
• ½ cup Corn Syrup
• 1 tsp White Vinegar
• 2 bags Microwaved Popcorn
• 2 bags Dark Cocoa Candy Melting Chips
• 1/4 cup Red Candy Melting Chips
• 1/4 cup Green Candy Melting Chips
• 12 colored pop sticks (also available at your local craft store)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook over high heat until mixture reaches 250 degrees (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
2. Spread popped corn on a baking sheet.
3. Pour mixture over popcorn, tossing to coat.
4. When mixture is cool enough to handle, press popcorn into 2 to 3 inch balls with lightly greased hands.
5. Insert stick into each ball.
6. Cool on waxed paper.
7. Heat Dark Candy Chips in medium Bowl by microwaving for 30 seconds stirring and repeating until melted. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
8. Dip balls in melted dark candy and roll to coat completely.
9. Place back on wax paper.
10. Immediately place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set chocolate coating.
11. Heat Red Candy Chips in small bowl by microwaving for 30 seconds stirring and repeating until melted.
12. Transfer Red chocolate to small plastic bag and clip very tiny piece of corner to use for piping.
13. Pipe Red candy in loops originating from stem around ball.
14. Repeat the process with the Green Candy Chips.
15. Immediately place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.