Making Popcorn Balls: A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane with My Aunt

Dec 22

Hello There!

I have another family recipe to share with you! There’s something about family recipes that feels like stepping into a time capsule. They’re not just about food—they’re about love, laughter, and the memories we hold close. Recently, I had the joy of having my Aunt from Texas in my kitchen. Together, we recreated a favorite family tradition: making popcorn balls.

Growing up, popcorn ball making was a highlight of the Christmas season. It all happened in my Nanny’s kitchen, where love seemed to be an essential ingredient in every dish. My Nanny, my mom, my Aunt, and I would gather around, ready for an afternoon of sticky, delicious fun. Nanny would pop the corn, filling the house with that unmistakable aroma, while the rest of us prepared for the main event.

We’d butter our hands and carefully form the hot popcorn into balls, laughing and cutting up the whole time. I can still hear the sound of our giggles mixing with the crackle of the popcorn, and I can feel the warmth of the kitchen—both from the stove and the love that filled the room. Those moments were magic. They weren’t just about making treats; they were about making memories.

Having my Aunt in my kitchen this year felt like bringing a piece of Nanny’s kitchen into my home. As we popped the corn and greased our hands, it was as if time had folded in on itself. The laughter was the same, the joy was the same, and even the sticky mess was the same. It took me right back to those special times, and I couldn’t help but feel so grateful for the legacy of love and tradition that Nanny passed down to us.

But that wasn’t all. My Aunt shared one of her family's favorite recipes: a homemade hot chocolate recipe from her grandson, Wylder. That is top secret though so unfortunately I can’t share that one. After forming the last popcorn ball, we sat down to enjoy a warm mug of his delicious creation. It was rich, creamy, and the perfect companion to our sweet, sticky treats. Sharing Wylder’s recipe was a reminder of how family traditions continue to evolve and grow, weaving in new memories alongside the old.

This day with my Aunt was more than just kitchen fun. It was a celebration of family, of the bonds that hold us together, and of the simple joys that make life so sweet. As I sipped my hot chocolate and looked at the tray of perfectly imperfect popcorn balls, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for my Nanny, my Aunt, my mom, and for the memories we’ve made and the ones still to come. I also felt a little bit of sadness with the absence of my mom. She sure is missed!

If you’re looking to create some magic in your kitchen this holiday season, I’ll be sharing the recipe for our family’s popcorn balls in the YouTube video below. It’s not just a recipe; It’s an invitation to slow down, laugh a little louder, and make memories with the people you love most.

Here’s to the traditions that keep us connected and the love that makes every bite taste even sweeter. Merry Christmas, from my kitchen to yours!

Lord Bless You, Michelle

Michelle Morris is a food enthusiast, passionate cook, and devoted wife who finds joy in creating delicious meals. As a firm believer in Jesus, she strives to infuse her cooking with love, kindness, and gratitude for the blessings in her life.

Delicious Sticky Mess Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

8 Cups of already popped popcorn

1 C of sugar

1/3 C of light Karo syrup

1/3 C of water

1/4 C of butter

A dash of salt

1 tsp of vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 200. Butter a large or 2 large casserole dishes and put the popcorn in the buttered dish or dishes and place in the oven to keep warm. Combine the sugar, Karo syrup, water, butter & salt in a large saucepan and stir on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved - make sure the sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking until it reaches the soft ball stage (250 F on a candy thermometer) stirring often. Once it reaches 250 then remove it from the stove and add the vanilla. Stir to mix it well. Take the popcorn out of the oven and pour the mixture over the popcorn. Be careful the syrup will be hot but butter your hands and mix it up well to ensure the syrup gets all over the popcorn and start making your sticky mess popcorn balls. Spray a large cookie sheet with butter-flavored oil and put your popcorn balls on the baking sheet. Enjoy