If you grew up in Perryton, TX and attended a sleepover at my house, or my Grammy’s house, you know what Gooey Popcorn is. It was likely the most requested treat in our house (and by my friends… to this day). It’s akin to a popcorn ball, but infinitely better. Think giant, soft popcorn ball but extra gooey. Perfect for sleep overs or movie nights!
The first thing I will say about this recipe, is pop your own popcorn! Bagged just will not do. I was handed down my Grammy’s popcorn popper, (and my mom actually found them online, Atom Popcorn Popper), but an air popper, sauepan with lid or normal stovetop popcorn popper will work perfectly!
Now comes the “hard” part. As you can see from the original recipe, my Grammy tells you to, “Boil the sugar, syrup, water, margarine and salt until it begins to spin a thread.” Spin a thread…. What does that even mean! This is where people tend to trip up, if you cook it too long, it’s way too hard, but if you under cook it, it won’t be sticky enough.
I used a candy thermometer… I’m sure you’re thinking, “Duh”, but up until now, my mama and Grammy did everything by feel… my mom even has a special spoon that she uses to make sure the thread is just right. Well, we don’t all have that spoon, so I made it over and over with a candy thermometer until I knew the right temperature for when it was finished boiling! Ta-da!
Now, if you do not have a candy thermometer, you can still use the spoon method. Use a metal spoon and keep stirring and letting all of the goo drip off the spoon until it spins a tiny thread the will curl back up… but I highly recommend the candy thermometer.
That’s it! Pour over popcorn and enjoy. It will stay gooey for a day or two, but usually best the same day. Y’all try it out and let me know what you think!
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Grammy’s Gooey Popcorn
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Akin to a popcorn ball, but infinitely better. Think giant, soft popcorn ball but extra gooey. Perfect for sleep overs or movie nights!
Ingredients
1 C Sugar
1/3 C White Corn Syrup
1/3 C Water
1/4 C Margarine or Butter
¾ tsp. salt
¾ tsp. vanilla
3 qt popped popcorn (not bagged)
Instructions
Boil sugar, syrup, water, margarine and salt until it begins to spin a thread (10-12 minutes or until mixture reaches 105 degrees C). Remove from heat and add vanilla (do not cook your vanilla). Pour over popcorn and mix.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
This is my favorite recipe for this stuff. I have been looking for it for forever so thanks! Great job!