Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
Jello Popcorn Balls
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Create a fun and flavorsome snack with these jello popcorn balls. This recipe pairs popped popcorn with a gelatin mixture, forming colorful balls that last for days. A cheerful addition to any festivity.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
ingredients
1 cup popcorn kernels
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 package (3 ounce size) Jell-O gelatin powder (any flavor)
directions
Pop the popcorn kernels as directed on package. Let cool.
In a heavy saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin. Bring to a strong boil for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat.
Place the popcorn in a large, heatproof bowl. Drizzle the jello mixture carefully over the popcorn, while gently stirring/tossing it, and continue to mix until it is well coated in the mixture.
Let the popcorn cool enough to handle. Butter your hands then form the popcorn into balls about the size of a tennis ball (or you can make them larger or smaller, as desired). Place on waxed paper to set.
Individually wrap the popcorn balls in plastic wrap. The popcorn balls will keep for 4-5 days at room temperature.
recipe tips
Make sure the popcorn is completely cooled before adding the jello mixture.
Try different Jell-O flavors to create a variety of colorful popcorn balls.
Try using flavored popcorn for even more flavorful popcorn balls.
Add a pinch of salt to the jello mixture for a sweet and salty combination.
To add a crunchy texture, mix in some rice cereal or granola with the popcorn.
For an extra sweet touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls.
To make cleanup easier, line your work surface with waxed paper or parchment paper.
For a festive touch, use themed Jell-O flavors for various occasions. Pink for Valentine's Day, orange for Halloween, Red and/or green for Christmas, etc.
common recipe questions
Can I use any flavor of Jell-O gelatin powder?
You can use any flavor of Jell-O gelatin powder to customize the flavor and color of the popcorn balls.
How do I prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy?
Make sure the popcorn is completely cool before mixing it with the jello mixture. Then, once formed into popcorn balls, let them cool (the jello mixture will be hot) before wrapping to avoid becoming soggy.
Can I make the popcorn balls in different sizes?
You can adjust the size of the popcorn balls as desired, making them larger or smaller.
How do I prevent the popcorn balls from sticking to my hands?
Butter your hands before shaping the popcorn into balls to prevent them from sticking and help with shaping. Re-grease your hands as needed while forming the popcorn into balls.
How should I store the popcorn balls?
Individually wrap the popcorn balls in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you are making very small popcorn balls you can layer them in a larger airtight container between sheets of waxed paper (you just don't want the individual popcorn balls touching or they'll stick together).
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the popcorn balls?
You can customize the popcorn balls by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, candies, or other mix-ins.
How do I make sure the popcorn balls hold their shape?
Allow the popcorn balls to set until completely cooled on waxed paper before wrapping them to help them hold their shape.
Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?
You can use any kind of popped popcorn, even pre-popped. You'll need about 32 cups of popped popcorn (about 1 1/2 cups per popcorn ball) if you're buying it pre-popped.
tools needed
Large Saucepan: To combine the corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin for the coating of the popcorn balls. Make sure it's heavy to withstand the heat.
Large Heatproof Bowl: To hold the popped popcorn while mixing it with the gelatin mixture. Choose a large bowl to allow for easy mixing without spilling.
Waxed Paper: To set the formed popcorn balls on after shaping them. Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Plastic Wrap: Used to individually wrap the popcorn balls, keeping them fresh and extending their shelf life. Also makes for a fun gift idea or party favor. You can also buy decorative plastic at party supply or craft stores.
what goes with it?
Cotton Candy: Pair these vibrant Jello Popcorn Balls with cotton candy for a carnival-inspired treat. The sweet and fruity flavors of the popcorn balls will balance out the sugary fluffiness of the cotton candy, creating a whimsical snack experience.
Bubbles: Serve these Jello Popcorn Balls alongside a cold glass of sparkling water for a refreshing and effervescent combination. The crunchy texture of the popcorn balls will contrast beautifully with the bubbly bubble.
Disco Ball: Add some disco flair to your snack spread by pairing these Jello Popcorn Balls with a shimmering disco ball centerpiece. The colorful jello coating on the popcorn balls will sparkle and shine under the disco lights, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
Unicorn Horns: Create a magical snack display by serving these Jello Popcorn Balls with unicorn horns made of colorful sugar cones. The whimsical and colorful look of the unicorn horns will complement the fun and vibrant flavors of the jello popcorn balls, making snack time feel like a fairytale.
Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter on top of these Jello Popcorn Balls for a touch of sparkle and glamour. The shimmering glitter will add a fancy and festive touch to the already colorful popcorn balls.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
How can 1 cup of popcorn feed 20?
you'll notice it says to pop the corn as the first sentence in the directions. So that would be 1 cup UNpopped corn in the ingredients list - which would yield about 32 cups popped corn, more than enough for 20 people.