Royal Foodie Joust: Orange Ginger Caramel Popcorn Balls

This month for the Royal Foodie Joust the ingredients were whole grain, citrus and ginger. I can only assume Kittens In The Kitchen is hoping for a whole series of healthful entries; and knowing the gang, she will recieve them. I, on the otherhand, created something that wraps up the wholesome goodness in sweet, sweet caramel. Let me explain: vitamin C from the orange for a cold, ginger to soothe the throat and popcorn for...alright, basically this is delicious rather than healthy.

I bring you Orange Ginger Caramel Popcorn Balls (dentist co-pay comes separately.) For my recipe, I did adapt a recipe from cooks.com for the caramel, but the flavor additions are all me.

Recipe:
Orange Ginger Caramel Popcorn Balls
Pop 1.5 cups corn as you wish (we used the microwave). When warm, toss with butter and salt. Add thin slivers of orange zest and chunks of candied ginger. Set aside.

In a heavy bottomed sauce pan, warm
3 T butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp orange extract
a splash of freshly squeeze orange juice
1 t ginger powder

When the mixture comes 230 degrees, pour over popcorn. Either wait one minute, take a deep breath and then form into balls. Or, use two spoons to form into balls. It cools quickly so you will need to work fast.