Colored popcorn balls decorated with candy make a really fun and easy treat for kids to make and share with friends.
Pop the popcorn, melt the butter then add the marshmallows to the butter and stir in the jello of choice. Consider the color of the jello to the kind of animal you are making. May add food coloring to darken or change the color. Omit the jello for white ghosts.
Add to the popcorn to the marshmallow mix and stir well. Grease hands and shape 1/4 to 1/2 cup of popcorn into desired shape. Push down on greased surface or waxed paper to flatten their bottoms. Quickly adhere candies to decorate.
We made orange spiders, used black licorice strings for legs by inserting a toothpick into the popcorn ball where we wanted the legs. Some of the legs stuck out and some laid down but it doesn't matter as long as the kids have fun doing them, right! We cut gum drops in half and made a hole with the end of a wooden spoon to insert the gumdrop eyes.
It is good to have a can of frosting on hand just in case the candies don't stay in place. We obviously made these for Halloween but you could do the same for Christmas wreaths, 4th of July firecrackers, Easter crosses and eggs. The options are endless.
Source: This is my own recipe, something I like to do with my grandchildren.
By Ann Winberg from Loup City, NE
This page contains the following solutions.
Take 1 cup of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup of sugar. Bring to hard boil. Add 1 small (3 oz.) box of Jello (dry) to syrup. Mix well. Pour over 4-5 Quarts of pop corn. Mixture will be HOT. Cool slightly and grease your hands. Form balls the size you like. Wrap each one in saran wrap to keep soft.
These yummy popcorn balls are easy to make and are perfect for a snack or even a bake sale.
Spray large bowl with vegetable spray. Combine popcorn, gumdrops and peanuts in bowl. Combine marshmallows and margarine in large saucepan, and melt over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Microwave popcorn (set aside). Melt butter add marshmallows and microwave until they look puffy (about 1 minute or so.) Stir to completly melt marshmallows then pour the melted mixture over the popcorn and carefully mix until it's coated. . .