How to Make Colored Glaze for Popcorn

Glazed popcorn is a delicious treat for all ages. Adding color to the glaze can make it especially pleasing to the eye and more appealing and fun to eat. This simple guide will help you create a scrumptious and unique treat that can be shared with family or even given as gifts around the holidays.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 1/3 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring
• 6-8 cups plain, popped popcorn
• Medium saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Cookie sheet
• Spatula
• Nonstick spray or silicon baking sheets
• Flavored gelatin (optional)

Instructions

1. Add 2 cups of sugar and a pinch of salt to 1 1/3 cup of water in a medium saucepan at medium heat. If you want flavored popcorn, like orange or cherry, add the gelatin at this time.

2. Add in the 1/2 cup of corn syrup and combine with other ingredients. Add a few drops of your chosen food coloring (if you're not using gelatin). Stir the ingredients together.

3. Heat the mixture to 230-235 degrees Fahrenheit until it has a thread-like consistency. Check the temperature using the candy thermometer. If it goes over the designated temperature, turn off the stove and remove the pot from the burner. Make sure that you do not go over 240 degrees or you will end up with caramel or rock candy!

4. Stir in your 6-8 cups of popcorn at this point and combine until every kernel is sufficiently covered.

5. Spray your cookie sheet with nonstick spray or place a silicone baking liner at the bottom. Using your spatula, spread out the popcorn and try to keep the kernels separated as much as possible for even drying.

6. Allow the popcorn to cool in a dry area for 1-3 hours or until cool to the touch. Eat your delicious popcorn and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Add a couple pats of butter for a richer taste. Using different colors can give any holiday or celebration a festive feel. For example, try red and green popcorn at Christmas. Glazed popcorn makes delicious gifts for any birthday party, baby shower or just-thinking-of-you gifts. Use a child's favorite color or flavoring, or try a light pink or blue for a baby shower and mix it with the natural white popcorn for a cute decoration that is also delicious. For rainbow popcorn, use this recipe with different flavorings for unique and colorful combinations.

• Make sure to use the proper safety kitchen utensils and protection when handling hot sugar. Getting hot sugar on any part of your body can leave third-degree burns on your skin! This is a variation of Paula Deen's Popcorn Balls recipe, but should make a delicious treat whether it is in individual kernel or ball form.

References

• Paula Deen's Popcorn Balls

Resources

• Sugar Stages