Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls

From Food Network Kitchens

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (5)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(5)

Cook Time:
20 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
20 balls

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 20 min
Total:: 40 min

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Ingredients

3 (3.5-ounce) bags natural microwave popcorn
2 cups pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for forming
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Pop the popcorn according to package instructions. While hot, carefully open package and dump into a large bowl.

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until browned and popping, tossing and stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. (Do this in batches, if needed.) Add to the popcorn.

Make caramel: Warm the cream over low heat and keep warm while you cook the sugar. Put the sugar and corn syrup and in a deep, heavy-bottomed large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, raise heat to medium-high, and simmer until the sugar reaches the hard crack stage, or 305 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes.

Whisk the butter and salt into the sugar mixture. Gradually pour in the cream and vanilla taking care since the mixture will bubble up. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar reaches soft ball stage, 240 degrees F on the thermometer, about 5 minutes more. Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon and cayenne. Cool for about a minute. Pour caramel over the popcorn and stir to evenly coat.

When the popcorn is cool enough to handle, coat your hands with some butter and shape into 4-inch balls. Wrap in waxed paper and tie with a string, if desired. Serve or store covered at room temperature for up to a week.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls
Tammy Oceanside, CA 10-28-2009
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Good halloween desert for adults
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Great flavor. I did not have a bowl big enough so did it in 3 batches. More time consuming then I thought it would be.
recipe Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls
andrea knoxvillet, TN 10-24-2008
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Great recipe!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

This recipe is definitely a try. I enjoy the clever instructions and the final taste!
recipe Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls
J richmond, VA 11-16-2007
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a hit
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

For whatever reason, this recipe took a little longer for me to execute it than I thought it would, perhaps just because I?ve... never made popcorn balls before. That being said, it was straightforward and quite tasty. I like the dish because it is seasonally appropriate for fall events, keeps well for at least a week, and is a great party food (easy to transport, easy to eat). And, better yet, everyone raved over them!Read more
recipe Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls
Nanette Phoenix, AZ 10-31-2007
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zesty bites full of flavor!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

this was extremely ez to make and delicious. I used both toasted pine nuts because I didn't have enough pepitas and apricots... & raisins - what a nice change from the old fashioned style! Thanks Food Network!Read more
recipe Sweet and Spicy Pepitas Popcorn Balls
Carlyle Millbrook, NE 06-18-2007
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Hi-ya!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

HI-YA!recipe kicks butt! I*t's sweet and spicy! Just the way I like my popcorn! I -heart- this recipe! TRY IT! You'll love... it! ENJOY! Thank you for the recipe food network!Read more