Thursday, November 15, 2012

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls



I am going to talk to you about marshmallow popcorn balls.

Most people have probably had a popcorn ball or two (most likely dozens) in their lifetime, but I am not most people. I have never had a popcorn ball, ever!

Quite frankly I’m not much of a popcorn person to begin with. When I’m at the movies (which is once or twice every year… maybe) I get a hot dog and junior mints or gummy stars. Popcorn just isn’t on my radar. When I saw these popcorn balls over at A Farmgirl’s Dabbles I immediately became intrigued because it was just like a rice krispie treat, only popcornified. After reading her post I set out to buy a box of microwave kettle korn (which I am not obsessed with – maybe I just don’t like buttered/non-flavored popcorn) and saved it for a rainy day.


I finally got a chance to make these little marshmallow balls when I was having a hard time deciding what to share for the 8th week in 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats hosted by Brenda from Meal Planning Magic.

The saltiness and crunchiness of the kettle korn paired with the sweet, gooey, and butter marshmallow is a match made in sticky crunchy heaven. Brenda used peanuts and orange gummies, but because I couldn’t find orange gummies, I swapped it out for fall-festive M&Ms. Of course you don’t have to have peanuts; you can use cashews instead or maybe candied nuts. And since Mars Inc. busts out a festive bag of M&Ms for every holiday, these popcorn balls can be made for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and all those other fun holidays.

Check out the other treats down below for some great ideas for holiday treats.  


Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Slightly adapted from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Makes 9-11 balls

Ingredients
1 (76.3 g) bag microwave kettle korn
5 oz. mini marshmallows
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
½ cup dry-roasted salted peanuts
½ cup M&Ms

Directions
Microwave popcorn according to the package directions. Empty the bag into a large bowl. Make sure to pick out the un-popped kernels, no one wants to bite down on that!

In a medium saucepan, melt the marshmallows and butter on medium heat. Stir frequently until the marshmallows have completely melted. The melted mixture will have a yellowish tint, but that’s because of the butter. This mixture is super-duper sticky, so watch out.

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn. Wait a minute before diving in to coat the popcorn in the melted marshmallow because it will be hot. Grease your hands with cooking spray or butter and mix the popcorn around the evenly coat it in marshmallow goo. Add in the peanuts and M&Ms. Mix, fold, and stir to evenly distribute the add-ins. Wait a few minutes for the mixture to set so you can shape them into balls.

Once the mixture has set a little bit and isn’t as sticky, grab a hand full of the sticky popcorn mixture and shape into balls. Be sure not to press too hard. Enjoy.


5 comments:

  1. I LOVE kettle corn. These look so cute and very delicious. They would be great for serving as finger foods at a holiday party. :)

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  2. The only thing I don't like about popcorn is the pieces that get stuck in my teeth. I would love to have these popcorn balls. I bet they would look great in festive goodie bags too.

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  3. What a great treat! I have yet to make popcorn balls myself...your recipe gives me the confidence to do so! Thank you! :-)

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  4. I've never had a popcorn ball. I need to change that immediately! This is a perfect holiday table treat - just imagine what other delicious treats can be stuffed in these babies!

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  5. These do look good! You are not alone. I have never had a popcorn ball either! I think I would like these though!

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