Popcorn Balls (from the 1950s) for Halloween are so Easy to Make!

[@BBQPITDOG]

Hi Jill! Please don't take this the wrong way....I'm so glad that you are an "Old Soul" like me! These classic goodies were so important back in the day. You call this a 50's item...I'm sure it was...I was born in '63 and remember my Mom making these and sometimes trick or treating some people would hand these out instead of candy in the late '60's, early '70's! I had forgotten all about these. Please send me a pallet full...LOL!! Your channel is so great and I really love the memories that you stir up just by bringing up some very cool food that we had as kids...when things were simple...and delicious...before microwave popcorn LOL!! I still make popcorn on the stove with bacon grease...talk about a throw back!! Hope all is well with you and your family!! Have an awesome weekend!!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Rob! OMG you just leveled up! You still make popcorn in bacon grease? You are my hero! And I am so happy to read this. This is one of the reasons why I do what I do, I want people to recapture childhood memories. And I love reading yours. Very true, popcorn balls gained fame in the 50s but they definitely went on after that. And I am honored to be an "old soul". My brain lives in the past and I so embrace it! Just like you said, simple and much more love was floating around. :) Thanks so much for the smile! Have a beautiful weekend my friend! 💖🍸

[@angryhairpeice]

I'm giving them out this year. They like the hot chocolate. I don't think they will mind. I think the parents might appreciate it.

[@TMReagon]

Born in 64 and still given these out on Halloween and sometimes Christmas if not making the fudge and stuff.

[@kathleenwebster]

The last time I made popcorn balls was 1992. After I had shaped a couple, my 2 year old was dancing and cracked his forehead and needed stitches. When we got home, he wanted to eat the hard candied popcorn still in the bowl lol. I was trying to create a memory my mom started, and ended up with a completely different memory lol. Thanks for the flashback! Btw, he was fine and loved all the attention and presents and kept trying to show those dance moves!

[@yesterkitchen]

HI Kathleen! I love this! Not the accident, the story. You never know where your next memory will come from. Especially since you were chasing down one of your memories! So beautiful!!! Time to make them again, just dont dance, LOL! 🍸💖

[@sylviacarlson3561]

so your "baby" is now 32 years old! Wow! Does he remember that incident?

[@pamelaquander8485]

I know this was made 3 years ago, my mom made this for sisters and myself. but my favorite is Carmel pop corn balls with the salted peanuts. 😊

[@yesterkitchen]

Also a winner!

[@TheSillyKitchenwithSylvia]

When I think of these I totally think classic but I love that you give the history!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Sylvia! I love the history as much as the dish! And these are really good! 🍸❤️

[@pamelaquander8485]

Remember when Creacker Jack's, with peanuts at the Ben Franklin was 15 cents. and the toys inside the box was awesome!! .now its just plain old stickers ahhhh,!.caramel popcorn is like going to the carnival in the summer time and riding your favorite ride, when I do make it, I use smuckers caramel sauce. I usually buy 2 jars. and add the peanuts 🥜.

[@yesterkitchen]

Oh I love the caramel sauce idea! And yes, I miss good old cracker jacks. I didn't know they downgraded the prize. Such a bummer.

[@altereddogma]

@@yesterkitchen They also downgraded the amount of peanuts they put in each box.

[@jelbel71]

My grandma Lopez would make these for us for Halloween!! They were so good!! Even with the occasional kernel 😅😅

[@AntandShira]

OMG!!!! I forgot all about Popcorn Balls. It brings back great memories. My son in a HUGE popcorn fan, but I don't think he knows about Popcorn Balls so I'll have to keep rewatching this video so I can make popcorn balls for him. Love the video, love you, and love the concept of this channel! BRAVO!!!! -XOXO!!!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Shira!! This makes me so happy! And these are delicious! You will have one very happy son! Thank you so much for the kind words! I am beyond happy that you are here!!!! 💖🍸

[@emilyanne4802]

Thank you for thisnrecioe! When I was a kid, there aas one little old lady, Edy, who always did popcorn balls for Halloween, and we made a point of stopping at her home! It wasn't Halloween without one of her popcorn balls!

[@yesterkitchen]

It's my honor Emily!

[@telecasterbear]

The smell of homemade popcorn balls in the hallways of all the triple decker houses in my neighborhood while trick or treating will always be with me.

[@yesterkitchen]

I can't tell you how c I love to hear that what I make brings back childhood memories! Thank you!

[@jallenecs]

My mom used to make these for us when we were girls. She used sorghum instead of corn syrup, which gave it a slightly different flavor

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi June!! I used to spend a good deal of time in Atlanta, so I know sorghum. ;) I didn't even think about that but I'll bet it was wonderful! How cool that your mom made them for you! Such special memories! I love this time of year! Have a beautiful weekend!! 💖🍸

[@myradalton450]

I was looking in these comments to see if anyone else used sorghum. That's what I remember about my childhood Halloween trick or treating!​@@yesterkitchen

[@stephenraatz2598]

Excellent video! Thank you so much. My grandmother used to make them at Christmas time and she dyed them green and red. I’m going to try your recipe and dye them! All the best.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Stephen! I can't tell you how happy your story makes me. Anytime memories come up from a video I've made, I am truly honored! I'm so excited for you to bring back your childhood memories with your own red and green popcorn balls! And, they are just delicious! Enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🍸❤️

[@grammamerr6213]

My mom use to add flavorings & food coloring, but popped the popcorn in a pan, aahhhh the memories!!...yummmm!!!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Mary! I love it! Old school popping! Adding colors and flavors we're definitely popular, I just wanted to share the original. How lucky were you to have your mom make these for you? It's always such an honour when one of my videos brings back childhood memories! Thank you for the smile! 🍸❤️

[@grammamerr6213]

@@yesterkitchen 😍😊

[@JadeStrawberry]

Popcorn balls bring back good memories. I should make a batch this year just for my daughter and me. Thanks for a trip to the 50s.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Jade! Yay 4 childhood memories! You know how happy that makes me! You should definitely make a batch, you will love them! Just wait till it's cooler so you don't burn your hands like I did, LOL! Always so happy when you stop by! 🍸❤️

[@ZMacDougall]

Please don't burn yourself. Great video, the recipe reminds me of my grandmother who used to make stuff like this and candy apples for us at Halloween when we were little, thanks for the video :D

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Zac! I suffer for my art, LOL! But no worries, I was fine. I love that you have memories of your grandmother making them, that is so special! I love candy apples too! I did an lollypop episode last Halloween which you can easily dip apples into if you are feeling adventurous! Have a wonderful weekend! 💖🍸

[@thobbs4526]

I remember these! I’m so old that I remember kids going into strangers’ houses on Halloween to choose what color homemade popcorn ball we wanted! 😱😱😱

[@yesterkitchen]

I absolutely love this! How wonderful and free things used to be. My kids are grown but I used to take them trick or treating at houses that had walk through haunted houses. I sure hope those are still around! Good old days! 🍸❤️

[@thobbs4526]

@@yesterkitchen yes, I did the same with my kids, and had fun creating crazy costumes, but nowadays...who knows?

[@WineDinewithJeff]

Wow what flashbacks love these popcorn balls they have a nice little sweet note to them. Love your tip if you don’t have a candy thermometer when you’re at the hard ball stage dumping it into an ice cold bath of water very cool popcorn and TV like you said go hand-in-hand

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Jeff! Yep, popcorn and TV were, and still are, BFFs! LOL! These are really good and very easy to make. I brought the leftovers to my neighbor who never had one if you can believe it. He's now a fan! Have a beautiful weekend my friend! 💖🍸

[@lesiapersimmon7547]

My gradeschool gave these to us every year in the 70s-80s after the Halloween Parade 🙂🎃 Thanks for the recipe...happy memories ❤️

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Lesia! I love this!! I so remember the Halloween parades! It makes me so happy when one of my videos inspires a childhood memory! I hope you find many more memories here! Have a beautiful weekend! 💖🍸

[@dorothysue1]

I haven't had a popcorn ball in 50 years! Thank you.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi dorothysue1! Welcome! One of my missions for this channel is to bring back childhood memories. I can't tell you how much this means to me. Thank you! I hope you find more childhood memories here. Have the most beautiful day! 🍸❤️

[@YourNextCast]

I so which I could have some of that popcorn. Believe or not I stopped eating popcorn like 7 years ago. I miss it. Thanks again for the history lesson.

[@yesterkitchen]

Oh no Titus! I'm so sorry! I have a few friends that had to give it up. Not to fear my friend, I have a lot more coming! Have a beautiful day! 🍸❤️

[@JudiChristopher]

Excellent Video... Looks Fantastic... I use a BIG TURKEY pan to stir mine... its easier... Thank you for sharing this great video... Good Memories..

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Judi! What a great idea! Next time..... And thank you so much for your kind words. Always happy to bring back some childhood memories!

[@ChefAdventures]

Popcorn balls! 1890!! Wow! This looks like a great project for the kiddos! Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year and this recipe is perfect! So good! Love how you are dressed up like a Yesterkitchen fan! You look great! Love you Jill! Cheers!

[@yesterkitchen]

It's a great project for the kiddos! Just make sure you wait for it to cool down, unlike me... Lok! And yay! Everyone needs to be a YesterKitchen fan! Love you guys! 🍸❤️

[@CTRFishing]

Those look delicious Jill! Thanks for sharing!

[@yesterkitchen]

Thanks so much CTR! Welcome! I hope you have fun learning exploring through food here! 🍸❤️

[@VG-rj8pn]

Thank you Lovely Lady.

[@yesterkitchen]

How sweet, thank you so much!

[@VG-rj8pn]

You're welcome so much.

[@ParnellTheChef]

Hi, Jill! Those popcorn balls turned out great! I had no idea that popcorn was so fashionable in the late 1880's, and that it became expensive during the Depression. I always learn so much about food history from your channel. That is a very good trick with corn syrup. Getting sticky liquids out of measuring cups can be a lot of "quilombo" lol. Yes, you definitely need to be careful with hot sugar. It can stick and burn. I hope your hands are OK. As always, those turned out great. I agree that it is a shame that homemade Halloween treats are unthinkable nowadays. Thanks for sharing!

[@yesterkitchen]

LOL Parnell! I absolutely love your "quilombo"!! I think I am going to start using that! And oh yes, popcorn was quite fancy in the 1880's, can you imagine? How society has changed in such a short time! So happy you liked it! THese are really good! And fun to make when you are not burning your hands, LOL! Have a beautiful day my friend! 💖🍸

[@TheOtherSideOfTheStove]

1950's Popcorn Ball Halloween! 💡Great idea and tip of spraying the measuring cup to get the syrup out! It totally stinks kids can't trust home made treats anymore....and really even if things are wrapped.... 5:07 That was cool that you showed that....reminds me of when I was in baking class in culinary school. Jill I have never seen anyone make popcorn balls...ever. This was so cool to watch. 8:27 they are really big! I like how you wrapped it with a bow.... Great Video Jill...You are amazing as ususal!

[@yesterkitchen]

Awwwwww....thank you Alexis! Yep, I really wanted to bring these back! They are so good! I am so happy I made them then! the bigger they are, the better they crunch! ;) Yeah....really sad that we can't let kids truly enjoy and have to be on guard. Always love when you stop by! So much fun to read! It's why we do what we do, right? Have a beautiful weekend my friend! 💖🍸

[@ellendelights]

Good Morning my Soul Sista! Those are some Yummy and Stunning Popcorn Balls, I love those!!! Beautiful Recipe!!

[@yesterkitchen]

Thank you my soul sista! Halloween perfect! So happy to resurrect them from the 50s! Have a beautiful weekend my friend! 🍸❤️

[@MargaretsMakeandBake]

Nice way of doing popcorn Jill.. I like how you butter the pan, must make the popcorn real flavoursome. Nice trick with the spray to stop it sticking too... It's very clever how you make it into balls of popcorn. I must try this next time we do popcorn.... Catch you again soon...👋

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Margaret! I guess this is a US thing. You must try it, they are so good! Fun and delicious way to eat popcorn! Have a wonderful week!! 💖🍸

[@EastSider48215]

Ooooooh, I love these!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi EastSider! Me too! They are just addicting! And just a little dangerous to make, LOL! Have a wonderful weekend!! 💖🍸

[@sylviahermas9422]

Thank you for posting this video ❤

[@altereddogma]

My favorite when I was a kid in the early-to-mid-1960s was a good-sized popcorn log. It was green and had little chocolate candies and sugary gelatin candies stuck all over it.

[@yesterkitchen]

I love hearing how people enjoy these recipes, thank you!

[@chrisdiane8429]

These made a hit here also

[@jessicaphillips36]

We make these every fall with our kiddos! We make two batches - one with my recipe that is similar to yours and another with my husband’s childhood recipe for “caramel” popcorn balls using dark corn syrup. They love it!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Jessica! I love this! Both are fantastic and I especially love that you were sharing this experience with your kids! Building memories for the future! So beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend! 🍸❤️

[@harleydancer9045]

I use to make these but I used molasses, they was good. This is when the world was safer. Now I wouldn't give out anything home made unless it's closes friends or family. Have a delightful weekend 👍🎃👻 butter your hands lol

[@yesterkitchen]

Harley Dancer! Oh yes, butter indeed, LOL!! Molasses would be a wonderful flavor! I love that you made these. Yeah, when the world was safer. I wish kids could experience that innocent fun. Oh well, at least we can make them for our loved ones! Have a beautiful weekend!! 💖🍸

[@violaspencer5628]

I want your recipe - using molasses! Molasses is good for you / corn syrup - not

[@taylors182]

I saw these in 80's LOVED THEM!

[@chrisdiane8429]

Thank you going to try making them today ,HAPPY HALLOWEEN

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Chris! Welcome!! Oh yay! You're going to love them! I can't wait to hear the report! Happy Halloween! 🎃🍸

[@OpheliaRayne79]

I haven't had these since I was a kid and my grandmother made them for me! I'll have to make them for my kids this year 😁

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Mtn Mommy! Welcome! I'm so happy that this brought back childhood memories! That is such a big part of my channel. I'm so excited that your kids get to experience one of your memories! Have fun with them! Thanks for stopping by! 🍸❤️

[@Hereandlearningsomething10]

I love popcorn and looks good . thanks for sharing👍

[@yesterkitchen]

Hey Just Me! Welcome! If you love popcorn, you will love this! I hope you have fun exploring more history through food here! Have a beautiful weekend! 🍸❤️

[@autumnfeldpausch5539]

I loved these at Halloween as a kid and I still would love to eat them. The first time I had one I could not believe how great they were. I know my eyes had to have light up and saw stars and hearts. Wow. The taste of butter and a tiny amount of salt with the sweetness, good God almighty. They were horrible for my teeth and still are, that’s why I don’t touch them. Even at Christmas they were great. Heck, anytime they were great.

[@yesterkitchen]

@@autumnfeldpausch5539 love this!

[@KrepsyK]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@yesterkitchen]

THank you so very much krepsy! I hoe you enjoy them!💖🍸

[@VG-rj8pn]

You're using an induction cooktop? Its really easy to control temp? I gotta get one!

[@yesterkitchen]

HI VG! The heat variance doesn't go up and down as fast a a flame, but I would definitely recommend it if that is what fits your needs. I had to get one for filming.

[@VG-rj8pn]

@@yesterkitchen yes but you got good control for candy making. You can set a specific temp and be confident its accurate.

[@VG-rj8pn]

@@yesterkitchen thanks! Dear Lady!

[@TuckerSP2011]

One of my favorite memories was when I was about 7, my aunt gave me a popcorn bunny. I'm sure you could press it into a buttered mold.

[@yesterkitchen]

Oh Tucker! You know how happy I get when childhood memories comes from on of my videos! What a special memory! I have a special place in my heart for bunnies. I've had them as pets for years! You can definitely press it into a buttered mold! Go relive your childhood!!!! 💖🍸

[@killonacat4004]

Dat's hot stuff..!! It got me when I was stirring in the popcorn syrup..!! Can only imagine how many times Grandma must have burnt herself..!!

[@yesterkitchen]

Seriously! Oh no!!! Yeah, hot sugar is no joke. But I hope you were very happy with the results! And yeah, cooks of the past probably had lots of burns! 🍸💖

[@Tata-iu3fy]

My grandmother use to make these every Halloween.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Miss B! I love to hear when one of my videos Sparks a childhood memory! Thank you so much for sharing that! Hopefully you can make them and remove some of those memories! Have a beautiful day! 🍸❤️

[@Tata-iu3fy]

@@yesterkitchen I should definitely start making them for my grandchildren. My second is on the way. Thank you. I really miss my grandma.

[@yesterkitchen]

@@Tata-iu3fy Congrats! Perfect opportunity to channel your grandma with love!

[@SenjaAldee]

look so delish my friend

[@jelbel71]

Why out the vinegar in? What does it do

[@jeffchandler2521]

Is it teaspoon or tablespoon recipe has Tablespoons?

[@anonymous78546]

Would love to know the name of the cookbook that you found this recipe in. Love all things 1950s. Thank you!

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Angel! These came from the Better Homes and gardens cookbook. If you love all things 50s, you will love it here! 🍸💖

[@anonymous78546]

@@yesterkitchen Thank you! 💖

[@cathycutchin7092]

Popcorn balls are for friends and family and store bought candy is for the trick or treaters.

[@RelaxingMusica]

Hello ! I came here through a recommendation by "your next cast" channel and I absolutely love the idea of your channel 😍 I'm a history lover and I always love to find the history behind everything (It's not easy to watch a movie with me because I always search for the idea, history, facts, casting and things that occurred behind the scenes 😅) Combining food with history (I love Food too 😂❤️) is a BRILLIANT IDEA 😍 That is the first time to know these facts about popcorn 😮 I took a look at your channel and I like it so much !! I'm subscribing and dinging the bell for you 😊 I wish you a great day 😊🌹 Mike

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Mike! Welcome! I'm so happy you found me! Titus is just such a great guy! Thank you so much for all the kind words! This is my absolute passion! Sounds like yours too! I hear ya on the movies, lol! The back stories are usually more interesting! I hope you have fun exploring history through food here!!! I'll see you in another video! Have a beautiful day! 💖🍸

[@RelaxingMusica]

​@@yesterkitchen I'll be waiting for more 😊🌹 meanwhile, whenever I have time, I excited to watch your older videos ! That one with the Jello looks interesting 😃😃😍

[@pamelaquander8485]

Miss Jill Girl, I wrote to you, about making popcorn balls, I I resonley made these with my niece's 10 yr. old and didn't do a good job when I added the caramel, I'm not a good at baking at all. I only make something sweet when I see a cook make this. I wrote about cracker Jack's, in the 60s a box was 25 cents. they had tiny great toys, and even great stickers that me and my baby sister would spit, yes I said it!.☺️and slap the image on our arm.and a other thing my next to oddest sister would make caramel apples. now that's something I love to make, how about making this.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Pamela! Oh yes, I absolutely remember! And I love caramel apples! Unfortunately, I stopped filming about a year ago. However, my vintage cookbook collection is in the thousands and I do have recipes. If you want to look in the about section on my channel and send me an email, I'll be happy to look up a recipe for you and send it your way. They are really quite easy.

[@sherylsparks3671]

I wonder could you use some food coloring for Christmas? Red and green?

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Sheryl! I don't see why not! Happy holidays!

[@whatsupdoc3385]

To go faster and make it more carmelly, reduce or eliminate the water. Just Need to keep a close eye so it doesn't burn.

[@cjm3122]

My grandmother would make them at Christmas to decorate the tree. They didn't last long.

[@yesterkitchen]

I totally believe that!

[@cjm3122]

@@yesterkitchen year after year we would eat them until we got sick of them.

[@hiyella04]

What does the vinegar do?

[@yesterkitchen]

Great question! The vinegar acts as a stabilizer to prevent crystallization in the candy. 🍸💖

[@hiyella04]

@@yesterkitchen Thank you so much for responding!

[@colew9896]

What happens if you skip the vinegar?

[@yesterkitchen]

@@colew9896 it enhances the flavor

[@colew9896]

@@yesterkitchen oh thank you : )

[@kellyg6738]

Good

[@KrazyKatt85]

I love popcorn balls, I’m too scared to make homemade ones because I’m scared that the popcorn will end up stale after candying it

[@yesterkitchen]

Oh Kitty Kat! Don't fear that! It doesn't taste stale at all! And they are so delicious that they won't last very long! Give them to the special people in your life! Handmade gifts are beautiful!! If you try it, Let me know! 🍸❤️

[@alexshatzko1381]

those were given out by the better houses on Halloween

[@VG-rj8pn]

She's beautiful.... Mz Sunshine!

[@pistaskitchen]

Delicious and Mouthwatering Stuff... Just Loved it... Please share some with me, Well....

[@niranjaleerenuka7908]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@okieasmr]

Like 53💕💕💕wow delicious 😋😘😍

[@markbass9402]

You never tasted it.

[@j.t5841]

🎉🎃🎉🎃

[@celesteday9473]

Liquid I made is not foamy

[@liamobryan6105]

Holy Jesus what do you mean homemade treats aren’t safe to eat?

[@yesterkitchen]

There were some horrible people back in the day that made homemade treat with the intent of hurting kids. By the 80s it was common that if it wasn't a manufactured wrapped candy, you would pass. I know it's a bummer. Some bad people ruin it for everyone. 🍸❤️

[@liamobryan6105]

@@yesterkitchen I’ve never heard of such a thing happening, not even with harmless shit like weed edibles, truth is nobody wants to hurt your kids that badly.

[@yesterkitchen]

@@liamobryan6105 I guess you will have to believe me or not. I lived through it as a kid and then as a mom. It was very real and a huge story in the news at the time.

[@bethlehemeisenhour5807]

hellween,,, and people wonder why there is so much trouble on earth.

[@yesterkitchen]

😢

[@esmiperez3122]

That window on the right is in an odd spot

[@carolbonnell6675]

When I was a kid we never had popcorn balls on Halloween it's not a Halloween tradition actually it's a Christmas tradition we had popcorn balls at Christmas.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Carol! I always love to hear people's family stories around the dishes I present. Thank you for sharing your family traditions! I can totally see Christmas being a wonderful time for popcorn balls! I hope you have a very happy holiday!

[@violaspencer5628]

Make real popcorn! - on the STOVE - microwave popcorn is toxic crap!

[@ravenfeathesDVM]

Way too much sugar! Damn.

[@yesterkitchen]

Hi Raven! Yeah.....this is the 50s.🍸💖

[@ravenfeathesDVM]

@@yesterkitchen LOL, funny how back then you hardly ever heard about diabetes & the issues sugar causes. 💕

[@yesterkitchen]

@@ravenfeathesDVM I know, right? People were more active then instead of sitting at home playing vid games, LOL!