Halloween Party Recipes Part 2: Caramel Popcorn Balls

What's a party without the popcorn? These sweet and salty treats are always a favorite (remove spiders before eating). This recipe lends itself nicely to child participation...as long as they don't mind getting a little sticky.

To amp up the gruesomeness, melt some white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler and add 2-3 drops of red food coloring. Then drip the "blood" over the finished popcorn balls with a fork.

For a little spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel.  

Caramel Popcorn Balls

1/2 C. butter

3 C. brown sugar

1 C. light corn syrup

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

4-6 quarts (16-24 C.) popped corn

Here's what you need to do:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil.

2. Pour in condensed milk. Return to a boil. Boil five minutes.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract (this is where you would add cayenne pepper if desired).

4. Pour hot caramel mixture over popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula.

5. Grease hands and form popcorn mixture into balls.

6. Let balls cool on greased cookie sheets or waxed paper.