Granola Popcorn Balls

A few years ago, I started experimenting with my popcorn ball recipe.  I found some pumpkin spice granola at our local grocery store in the health food "bulk" section.  It made to-die-for popcorn balls.  This year, we can't seem to find the pumpkin spice granola....So, reinvention of a "fall" recipe began.

Granola Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 quart granola (pick your favorite flavor, or use plain and add seasonings)
• 1 C light Karo 
• 1/2 C molasses
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 t Cinnamon
• 1/8 t Ginger
• 1/8 t Allspice
• 1/8 t Cloves
• 1/4 t Nutmeg
• 2 T Vanilla

Instructions:

Grease a large 5-quart bowl. Mix popcorn with the granola. In a 2-quart saucepan (or larger), combine karo, molasses and sugar. Add seasonings as desired.  Boil over medium heat until temperature registers 260°, or to hard ball stage. Pour syrup evenly over popcorn mixture, and toss with a greased spoon to coat all popcorn and granola. Let mixture cool to the point you can handle it. Butter hands (or use Saran Wrap sprayed with cooking spray) and shape warm mixture into balls about the size of a tennis ball. Wrap in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Makes about 18 granola popcorn balls.

 

Enjoy!