GRAMMY’S GOOEY POPCORN
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 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 sleepovers or movie nights. Trust me, your kids (and you) will LOVE this.
It’s a simple recipe, but if you ask any of my friends who have tried to duplicate it, well, it’s never quite right. Until now. I took it upon myself to take the guesswork out of this recipe, because honestly, I couldn’t get it right either.
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 they actually brought them back! Atom Popcorn Popper), but an air popper, saucepan 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.
You’ll also see in my mom’s handwriting to double everything. (LOL) You be the judge… ANYWAY
I used a candy thermometer… I’m sure you’re thinking, “Duh”, but up until now, my mom 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!
Grammy's Gooey Popcorn
Akin to a popcorn ball, but infinitely better. Think giant, soft popcorn ball but extra gooey. Perfect for sleep overs or movie nights!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn and set aside. I do this on the stove top with some oil, but you can airpop as well!
- 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, give it a mix and enjoy!
