Back in the days when middle school “Family Living” class was a little more like my high school home-ec class, my daughter came home with a recipe that has become a family favorite during the Holiday Season.  I’ve made these special popcorn balls for family Christmas stocking-stuffers, for holiday fund-raising auctions, and for the treat bowl at The Speckled Hen Inn.  I hope that you enjoy them as much as we do.

Our Favorite Popcorn Balls

Caramel Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

10 cups of popped plain popcorn

12 caramel candies unwrapped

24 regular marshmallows

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

Pop the popcorn and keep warm on a non-stick rimmed cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven.

In a large saucepan melt butter, peanut butter and caramels together over low heat stirring constantly.  When the caramels are almost completely melted add the marshmallows and stir until melted.

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix together.  Oil your hands and shape the mixture into 8 round balls.  Be very careful.  The caramel mixture is very hot and will stick to your hands.  I’ve found that wearing food-service gloves sprayed with Pam works very well for this task.  When the popcorn balls are cool, wrap individual balls in plastic wrap tied with holiday ribbon.

Enjoy and check back with us for 11 more Christmas Treats.