Pulled Taffy, Popcorn Balls & Caramel Corn

Are you in need of treats for your upcoming Halloween get together?  These seasonal favorites are not as complicated as some think.  Give these a try and let us know how they turn out!  Up first, homemade Pulled Taffy!

Ingredients:

3 cups sugar

½ cup vinegar

1-2 Tablespoons butter

½ cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Boil sugar, vinegar, butter & water together until mixture turns brittle when a sample is dropped in cold water. Add vanilla and baking soda. Pour onto a buttered platter. Turn in edges when cooled. Pull until white and brittle.

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Next up is Popcorn Balls.  Lots of fun for kids to help with!

Ingredients:

3 cups sugar

1 cup corn syrup

¼ cup vinegar

¾ cup boiling water

Pinch of baking soda

Large pan popped corn

Directions:

Let all, except baking soda and corn, boil without stirring, until it test crackles in water. Put a pinch of baking soda in syrup and pour over popped corn. Stir. Make into balls with hands when cool enough to handle. Use plastic gloves, or, to keep popcorn balls from sticking to the hands, dip hands in cold water.

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Caramel Corn could really be enjoyed year round but in the Fall, as the leaves are crisping up, why not enjoy some crispy caramel corn as well.

Ingredients:

10 cups popped corn

⅓ cup butter

⅔ cup firmly packed brown sugar

⅓ light corn syrup

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

In a 4-quart microwave-safe glass bowl, microwave butter on high until melted. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high until mixture boils (1-3 minutes), stirring once. Then, microwave on high 3 minutes without stirring. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, and popped corn– microwave 1 minute. Remove and stir to coat corn evenly. Cool on cookie sheet. Break apart and store in a tightly-covered container.