Christmas Popcorn

Twelve years ago, I took a class on "Making Christmas Gifts From Your Kitchen".  One of the recipes we learned from Angel Shannon, was how to make Christmas Popcorn.  I have been making this for my husband's co-workers, our friends and family ever since - and it is a big hit with everyone.  Some of my husband's co-workers have jokingly referred to it as their "Christmas cocaine".  Even though I give them enough to take home, not once have any of them managed to save any by the end of the day for anyone else in their family to share their popcorn.  It's a quick, simple recipe, and it makes quite a lot, (11 cups).  You can easily double the recipe.  And the best part - it's all microwave cooking !

You will need:
8 cups of popped popcorn
1 cup cocktail peanuts
1 cup Christmas M&M candies
1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 pound white candy coating
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

an extra large bowl
a medium microwave safe bowl
wax paper

First, you need to pop your popcorn.

It doesn't matter if you use microwave popcorn, or regular, top of the stove, popcorn.

Note:  If you use microwave popcorn, I find that 2 packages will usually make 8 cups, (but have a 3rd, just in case).  When I find them on sale 4 for $1, then I buy 12, so I have them in the pantry when I'm ready to use them.

The Christmas M&M candies will be in the red and green colors, but if you want to use the multi-colored M&Ms that's OK.  I just use the plain, not the peanut M&Ms.  You can even use the bulk brand of M&M candies.

Pour the 8 cups of popped corn into the EXTRA large bowl.  Make sure not to get any of the non popped kernels, (this is why I always have a 3rd bag of microwave popcorn on hand - in case there are a lot of  un-popped kernels).

Pour in 1 cup of M&M candies.

Pour in 1 cup of cocktail peanuts.

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of crispy rice cereal.

Note:  you can use the brand "Rice Krispies" cereal, or any brand of a crispy rice cereal.

Now gently stir everything together.

Pour the white, (vanilla), candy coating in a medium microwave safe bowl,

 Add in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter.

Heat on high in the microwave until melted and creamy.

Note:  I heat mine on 30 second increments, and give it a stir so it doesn't burn.  It usually takes about 2 minutes total.

 While the candy and peanut butter is melting, lay out a couple sheets of wax paper, (about 2 feet in length,each).

OK  - the candy and peanut butter are melted and nice and smooth.  Now we are going to make the magic happen !

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture, evenly.

Give the popcorn mixture a good stir, to make sure that the peanut butter mixture evenly coats all the popcorn mixture.

Now spread the popcorn mixture out on the wax paper.

 As you can see, there's quite a lot.

Let the popcorn set and harden, (about 1 hour).  Then break into pieces, and box or bag your Christmas popcorn for gift giving.

But make sure to save some for yourself.  Kids, (and husbands),  especially love this stuff.

While the popcorn is cooling, I make up bag toppers for my husband.  Then we fill up bags, add the toppers, and they are ready to go.

You could also use a Christmas tin for your popcorn.

Give it a try.  It a delicious treat, that's quick, easy, and inexpensive.

Enjoy !