During my college days I lived with my cousins in a condo. We got into all kinds of shenanigans together, but what I loved most about living with them was getting to know them better and becoming great friends with them. My Aunt Jewel (her daughters are who I lived with) is an amazing chef, although she may not realize it, but she's been my major influence as a cook because one day I want to cook amazing meals for my kids like she did for my cousins.
The point of why I'm telling you all this is because one crisp fall day, I distinctly recall my cousin Jennifer eating a popcorn ball in our condo. Not being a big fan of popcorn myself, I wasn't too interested, but nonetheless intrigued because her popcorn ball wasn't brown like a caramel corn ball. She was kind enough to let me have some of it and my life hasn't been the same ever since. She informed me that it is called Screamin' Yellow Zonker Corn and that her mom (Aunt Jewel) makes it around Halloween time every year. Aunt Jewel is ever so kind to always share her recipes, so Joe and myself have started the tradition of making it every year for our families at Halloween-time. It's like rice crispy treats except you use popcorn instead of rice crispies. Seriously ya'll, you must try it.
SCREAMIN' YELLOW ZONKER CORN
- 1 lb. butter
- 2 2/3-cup sugar
- 1 cup white karo syrup
- 16-ounce bag marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 5 bags microwave popcorn (I like to use light butter)
Boil butter, sugar, and syrup for 3 minutes EXACTLY. Take off the stove and add the marshmallows and vanilla. Pour everything over popcorn. It is easiest to mix the popcorn and mixture in a large plastic Tupperware-like tub/container. Store airtight.
*For a holiday, be festive and add food coloring to the mixture before you pour it over the popcorn.
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11 comments:
Oh, boy, I am always scared of recipes that give time limits like that ("3 minutes exactly!"). I'm much better with temperatures. Sounds yummy!
I am glad you have such a good memory! I have always loved the popcorn balls that my mom makes but I have never made them myself except for that year in the condo. It seems like a great tradition to start for our family.
These sound almost like the popcorn balls I grew up on, except the marshmallows. I like the sound of those!!
JENNIFER: How could you ever forget about those popcorn balls? They are too delicious!!
Sounds sooo yummy! I'll have to try that for sure! Is that bring to a boil and then cook for 3 minutes?
I love this popcorn. I totally remember you making this in the condo! I'm going to make it tonight for halloween!
STEPHANIE: Yes, it means bring to a boil and then boil for 3 minutes.
SHELL: Let me know how the popcorn turns out for you!!
I made this into popcorn balls for Halloween and they were delicious. My husband doesn't usually like this kind of popcorn but he loved this!!!
Lisa you're so cute to remember that little tidbit from college. That was fun to read. And, oh yes they are sooo good. It's a shame I almost forgot about that recipe, my mom hasn't made it in awhile for me. I'm going to make it this week for my fam.
I felt like I was seeing my life pass before my eyes. How kind of you to remember me as a good cook. I've never fancied myself to be a chef - but I always loved to cook and I love to cook for those I love. Always have, always will. This "zonker corn" can be made by using the large bags of country crisp corn, too. It is fast and easy - and stays soft for a long time if kept in an air tight container. (I think I actaully used a different carmel corn recipe for popcorn balls.-I'll see if I can locate it if you are interested. Thanks for liking "corn" and loving me.
Aunt JuJu Beans
making this tonight!
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