These Popcorn Treats are a natural for a Halloween get-together. Giada De Laurentiis conjured up the recipe!
HALLOWEEN POPCORN TREATS
Vegetable cooking spray
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup popcorn kernels
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 cups (12-ounces) mini-marshmallows
6 fun-size caramel peanut chocolate bars (such as Snickers), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3 (3-inch) chocolate-chip cookies, crumbled
1/3 cup chopped salted almonds
1/2 cup orange and black chocolate candies (such as M&M's)
Spray the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable cooking spray, and lightly spray a baking sheet. Set aside.
In a 3-quart (or larger) heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil and popcorn over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and shake gently. Cook until all the kernels have popped, about 3 minutes. Place the popcorn in the prepared bowl.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a spatula, sprayed with cooking spray, stir until the popcorn is coated.
Spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate-bar pieces, cookies, almonds and chocolate candies. Using a spatula, gently press the toppings into the popcorn. Allow the mixture to dry for 1 hour.
Break into 2-inch pieces and store airtight in a plastic container.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Serving suggestion: Place in small plastic bags and seal with colored ribbon.
(Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com)
