Party Guide    

October is POP POP POPcorn month!



Celebrate with all things munchy and crunchy

popcorn snacks for kids and halloween treats for kids


According to the Popcorn Board, October is "popcorn month."  Probably because it's harvest time.  Did you know that Americans consume 16 billion quarts each year.  Yikes. Here's a fun project you can make for a decoration or an edible treat.

halloween themed treat, witchy popcorn ball




Witchy Popcorn Balls
Makes: 8 (4-inch) popcorn balls
Preparation Time: 40 minutes




Ingredients:

  • 16 chocolate wafer cookies
  • 3 quarts popped popcorn
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons (1/2 of a 3-ounce box)
  • Lime gelatin dessert mix
  • Green food color, optional
  • 8 chocolate ice cream cones
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • Orange sugar sprinkles, placed in a small dish
  • Jelly beans, candy corn, licorice string

READ MORE: 50+ fall activities

Directions:
  1. Spread a sheet of wax (or parchment) paper over a work surface and place the wafer cookies on it.

  2. Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.

  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin dessert powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. If desired, adjust color with a drop or 2 of food color.

  4. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.

  5. Spray hands with cooking spray and press firmly to form into 8 balls.

  6.  Place balls on 8 of the wafer cookies. Press candy decorations into popcorn balls to form eyes, nose and mouth.

  7. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat for 10 seconds. Stir chocolate to aid melting. Repeat as needed until chocolate is melted and smooth.

  8. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate onto the top of each popcorn ball. Press a few licorice strings into chocolate to form hair.

  9. Dip cone edges into melted chocolate and then into orange sugar sprinkles. Place on remaining wafer cookies to form witches hat.

  10. Place hats onto popcorn balls. Allow chocolate to set for about 45 minutes before serving. Serve or seal individually in plastic wrap for storage.

Photo and recipe courtesy The Popcorn Board