Cajun Tac Tac Popcorn Balls
You always knew fall had arrived when my husband's grandmother started making her tac tac balls. This old-fashioned treat--a mix of sweet, salty caramel syrup poured over freshly popped corn --was one of her special traditions. She grew up in Avoyelles parish, where she learned to make these sticky popcorn balls as a child, she continued the tradition well into adulthood, eventually sharing it with her own grandchildren and great grandchildren around her New Orleans kitchen table. Made with Louisiana’s own Steens cane syrup, this Acadian recipe carries the flavor of her roots. The kids loved watching her roll the warm popcorn into balls and sneaking a few bites along the way. Tac tac balls aren't just for fall anymore. They make a fun treat for movie night or birthdays, too. And if you have a little steamed syrup leftover, try spreading it on warm biscuits with sour cream. Trust me it's heavenly.
Cajun Tac Tac Popcorn Balls
Servings: 1 dozen 3-inch balls
4 quarts popped corn, unbuttered
1 cup Steens cane syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon butter, plus extra for coating hands
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
special equipment: candy thermometer
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. Fill an extra large mixing bowl with the popped corn and set aside.
2. Attach a candy thermometer to a small saucepan. In the saucepan, bring the cane syrup, sugar, water and salt to a boil. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle steady boil. Stir frequently until the syrup reaches 275°, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter and baking soda. Stir until the syrup is foamy and well combined. Immediately pour the syrup on the popcorn. Working quickly, use a large mixing spoon to stir the popcorn until evenly coated.
4. Coat your hands with about a teaspoon of butter. Working quickly, scoop out 3/4 cup of coated popcorn and shape into a ball using your hands. Place the shaped popcorn on parchment. Repeat with the remaining popcorn and re-coat hands with butter as needed. Cool and enjoy!
