Bacon-Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe

As Ive gotten older, my eating habits have definitely improved. That isnt saying much, since back in the day a midnight snack might have been a full-sized Mission-style burrito. Oh yes, those were the days. Now, we try to limit our late-night grazing to small portions of healthier choices. But when it comes to movie-watching munchies, its really hard to beat popcorn especially when its studded with bacon bits and held together with caramel. As I mentioned, the balls part of this operation is totally optional. Once everything is mixed in the bowl, you can simply let it cool, crumble it up, and move on to arguing about what to watch. However, I really like the idea of being able to hold an entire portion in my hand at one time. Since so many of the shows we enjoy have subtitles to read, looking down into a bowl every few seconds can be problematic. But, whether you eat this loose or ball it up, I really do hope you give it a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 teaspoons water, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened

Directions:

Step 1: In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until the fat has rendered and the pieces are browned and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon into a strainer set over a bowl to catch the excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled bacon and gently toss until the bacon is evenly distributed among the popcorn. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 3: In a small saucepan, pour the white sugar and set it over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt, swirling the pan occasionally. Avoid stirring with a utensil! As the sugar begins to melt and turn clear around the edges, continue shaking and swirling the pan until the sugar is mostly melted and the mixture turns a light amber color. At this point, reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Once all the sugar has melted and the caramel has taken on a golden hue, remove the pan from heat. Add the cold butter cubes all at once and carefully swirl the pan until the butter fully melts into the sugar. Do not use a whisk yet.

Step 5: Add the room temperature water and a pinch of salt to the pan. Use a whisk to stir until the mixture forms a smooth, thin caramel sauce. If the sugar hardens when the water is added, keep whisking over low heat until the caramel becomes smooth again.

Step 6: Once the caramel is smooth and well-combined, carefully drizzle it over the bacon and popcorn mixture while gently tossing with a lightly buttered spatula. Continue tossing until the popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel.

Step 7: Butter your hands lightly, then, as soon as the mixture has cooled enough to stick together, begin forming the popcorn into balls. Be careful not to squeeze the balls too tightly, as this could make them dense instead of light and airy. Once formed, place the balls on a tray and allow them to cool completely.

Chefs Notes:

• Dont squeeze the popcorn balls too tightly, as this will compress the popcorn and make them chewy.
• If desired, you can add peanuts to the mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.