Popcorn treats are so much fun to make. They always bring me back to sweet memories of my childhood. Whether its eating kettle corn at the county fair, or getting the pink popcorn blocks at the zoo, popcorn and I have always been good friends.

The thing I love about popcorn is that you can season it in whatever way you like. Personally, I like lightly buttered popcorn with some grated parmesan cheese on top. (You know, the kind you put on spaghetti) If you haven't tried it yet, try it. It's delicious. My husband personally likes kettle corn loaded with salt and pepper. I like that too, but he really drowns the stuff, so much so that I always end up sneezing form the pepper! I guess that's his way of saying he's going to eat the whole bowl himself!

Anyways, these popcorn balls are made a bit healthier than the traditional marshmallow loaded ones we all know and love. While they do have their place, these popcorn balls may just take the cake on this one. I made these to take on a road trip we are going on this weekend (although my hubby has already eaten a bunch of them! I may have to make another batch before we go!) so I made a little bit more of the syrup mixture so they would FOR SURE stick together and not crumble all over the car. I am not very fond of vacuuming up popcorn all over our clean car, let alone sticky popcorn all over the carpet. You could definitely get away with just using the honey, or if you like them sticky, like we do, you could add the small amount of corn syrup like I did for these. The thing I love about these is that you can eat them without (too much) guilt. Popcorn is not too bad for you, especially when its made air popped and not loaded with toppings. The raw honey I added to make these stick together is actually pretty good for you too. These sweet and salty treats make you feel like you're indulging, but they are not laden with a ridiculous amount of calories and fat that normal popcorn balls contain! Alright, lets get started!

Healthy Popcorn Balls

Step 1: Gather ingredients

6-7 cups popcorn (you could air pop yours or use a bag of microwavable popcorn. One bag usually consists of around 7 cups)
1/4 cup honey (raw honey preferred)
2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional, but adds that extra stickiness)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step 2: Add honey, corn syrup (if using), and salt to a small saucepan. Turn stove to medium-low heat.

Step 3: Pop popcorn and remove ALL kernels. measure popcorn into a large bowl.

Step 4: Once honey mixture is lightly simmering, pour over the bowl of popcorn. Make sure to drizzle the mixture all over so it is easier to mix in.

Step 5: Mix popcorn and syrup mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon or your choice of utensil. Make sure to get all of the syrup off the bottom of the bowl! Let cool until able to touch comfortably with hands.

Step 6: Using a cookie scoop, or your hands, tightly pack popcorn into a ball. I used the cookie scoop and really had to pack the mixture in so they would stay in their shape. You will get the feel for this after a couple.

Step 7: Let cool and enjoy!

A few notes!

Make sure to remove all kernels from popcorn before making these. No one wants to bite into a popcorn ball and bite down on a kernel! No fun!
We cook the honey mixture until it is simmering so it slightly crystallizes. This makes it become almost like a coating instead of just staying sticky and gooey.
Pack the popcorn balls tightly! Or, you could just leave it loose for a sweet bowl of popcorn (although it would be sticky). You could also press this mixture into a cake pan and cut into bars. (If using this method, I would advise using wax or parchment paper underneath them so they don't stick!)
Your hands will get SUPER STICKY! Well, mine did. I applaud you fi you can make these and not get sticky, but its really all part of the fun. Nothing some hot water and soap cant wash off.

Healthy Popcorn Balls

Mikayla Brettelle

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