Delicious popcorn balls held together with caramel that sings with the flavor of concentrated apple are a fall must try. Add a popsicle stick and dip them in white chocolate to make them an even more fun treat!
Pick through popcorn and be sure there aren’t any unpopped kernels in there.
In a large dutch oven or stock pot, cook the apple juice concentrate and butter over medium-low heat until it simmers. Stir constantly until its volume is reduced by half. It should be visibly thicker.
Reduce the heat to low and add the caramel candy to the pot. Continue to stir until the caramels are completely melted. Stir in the salt and remove from heat.
Add popcorn to the pot and stir to coat.
Grease hands well. Take a large handful of popcorn mixture and form into a ball about the size of a baseball. Place on a piece of wax paper to set. Continue until all popcorn has been used.
If desired, insert popsicle sticks.
Melt the chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave. Start with a 30 second burst, then stir well. Continue heating the chocolate 15 seconds at a time just until it will stir smooth. Be sure not to burn the chocolate.
Dip the bottom half of the popcorn ball into the melted chocolate, coat with nuts or sprinkles if desired. Place back on the wax paper to set up.
Wrap in plastic wrap or cellophane and store at room temperature.
Notes
You will need about 3 bags microwave popcorn or 1¼ cup of kernels to get the popcorn you need.