It’s no secret that I love popcorn. It’s just so delicious and versatile, what’s not to love? I also love polka dots because they’re a simple, happy pattern and always manage to put a smile on my face. A while ago I came across a recipe for popcorn balls and immediately thought popcorn polka dots! Awesome! Popcorn balls are one of those childhood snacks that I haven’t thought about since, oh, third grade, but I thought with a little tweaking they could be the perfect party snack.
Popcorn polka dots are pretty easy to make. Of course, first you must start with popcorn. Pop yourself about 9 cups worth of plain, unsalted popcorn. Once it’s all popped, put it in a big bowl that’s been greased. Next you’ll make the goo that makes the dots stick together, which is a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, water, a splash of vinegar, salt and butter. When that mixture is nice and smooth it’s ready to pour over the popcorn and stir together. But that would just be plain jane popcorn polka dots, I wanted dots with a little pizazz. Chow had a recipe for curry-coconut popcorn balls that seemed exciting, so I added a bit of curry and vanilla to the mixture and poured it over the popcorn. I sprinkled some coconut and candied ginger into the mix and stirred until it cool enough to handle with my hands.
Now comes the hands-on part. Rub your hands with a little butter or oil and grab a golf ball-sized chunk of popcorn and roll it into a dot. I like making them smaller because they’re easier to eat and better party snacks and the smaller size is what makes them dots (I made that up, but it sounds official).
Pretty soon you’ll have a table full of popcorn polka dots. They’re nice and chewy, full of flavor from the curry, with little ginger surprises every now and then. They’re delicious and different, with a familiar past. I’m already thinking of new variations spicy caramel… mmm!
curry-coconut popcorn polka dots
from chow.com
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
4 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened angel flake coconut, toasted
1/3 cup finely chopped candied ginger
Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.
2
Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Place over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, curry powder, and vanilla until melted and smooth.
3
Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn. Add coconut and ginger and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
4
Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 3-inch rounds. Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Tee hee hee! Great minds think alike, Kelly!
I just made Chow’s eggnog popcorn balls for my blog today. AND I turned them into minis. Fun to see over here on one of my favorite blogs.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 am
I think I just might die of happiness if I had one of those. Your polka dots do always make me smile.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I like it! These are great while watching movies! I also want to try toffee on those popcorns.
December 26th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Hey Kelly! When I saw this post a few days ago, I told my colleague how much I love your blog and that you’re so innovative and come up with the cutest things – popcorn polka dots sounds so adorable! I’m so inspired to make popcorn after seeing so many recipes here. Adding it to my grocery list for today. Hope you had a fun Christmas!
December 26th, 2009 at 5:29 am
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December 26th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Would’ve never thought using curry in a popcorn treat, they sound interesting delicious!
December 30th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
That is a popcorn full of flavors! thanks for sharing
Happy New Year!
January 4th, 2010 at 1:23 am
I love the creativity of this recipe! It seems like a lot of fun to make too
Happy New Year – look forward to more great ideas in 2010.
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April 6th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
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May 24th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Thanks so much I really learned some good things by coming here this afternoon.
October 5th, 2010 at 2:38 am
I love to eat popcorn & chips while watching movies.
January 18th, 2011 at 6:13 am
Picnic with pop corn that’s really enjoyable.
August 5th, 2011 at 9:00 am
I can wait to give it a shot ASAP after I get the pattern. Thank you for your punctuality on posting the tips which really help a lot!