Traditions: Two This Week

So to continue on with some traditions I love,

here are two simple ones that I took part in this week. 

And they both happen to be traditions that my grandmas have started! 

The first one, is something my Grandma Clark does every Christmas. 

She has a basket of popcorn balls near her tree. 

Every time we visit, we get a yummy treat too! 

So I whipped some up the other night for our house. 

And it was my birthday this week, and as a tradition, my Grandma Brown

always calls (and leaves a message if we can't answer) of her playing her

beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" on the piano as she sings along. 

It always is fun to pick up the phone and hear that on the other end!

They are simple traditions but I love them, they still make special moments. 

Here's the popcorn ball recipe I use, in case you want to whip up a batch or two for yourself.

Popcorn Balls

Place 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels in a popcorn air-popper.

Sift out unpopped kernels out of the bottom when finished popping.

1 cube butter

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup light/white corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

(salt to taste)

Bring to a boil.

Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 45 seconds-1 minute (stirring constantly).

Pour over popped popcorn and stir to coat evenly.

Let sit for a few minutes, for carmel to thicken on the popcorn.

Shape into balls, place on wax paper to set.

Put in small plastic bags and tie with ribbon/yarn.

That's it!  I made smaller sized balls, and I made two batches so my basket would be full.

Make sure to add a little salt, it makes a huge difference!