Spreading Christmas Cheer
Thanks to help from my teenagers and my husband, Christmas is in full swing on our home. It takes awhile, but it sure is nice to have the tree up and decorated and wreaths on the doors, etc. While decorating, my dear friend and husband surprised me with a new addition to my Christmas fun. Isn’t this Advent gnome the cutest thing you ever did see?? 
There are still some odds and ends left to be done, like the outside lights and the Christmas village, but these will be projects for the upcoming weekend. In the meantime, I am rapidly filling the kitchen counters with Christmas treats. These treats must be shared, or we will be asking Santa for bigger pants.
Speaking of sharing treats, I want to share with you another recipe for homemade gift-worthy food – Christmas Elf Popcorn. I stumbled upon this recipe a couple of years back and it was an instant hit. I have decided to affectionately name it after Buddy the Elf, since it is extremely sweet and something he might eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It is extremely easy and quick to put together. One batch can easily fill 2 generous gift tins, or several smaller gift boxes or bags – that is assuming you don’t eat it all while making it.
You need to start with freshly popped corn, either from an air popper or a microwave popper. I found a great microwave popper at Walmart called the Presto Popper. It pops up beautiful fluffy popcorn without needing any oil, which is perfect for this recipe.
Next, you need to find vanilla candy melts. The best place to find them is in the baking aisle of your grocery store. In Walmart, they are located in the party baking aisle. I have tried a couple of brands, but my favorite is ChocoMaker. I like them because they melt smoothly and coat more evenly than some brands. You can use green if you want Grinchy popcorn, but I prefer the white for gift-giving.
My secret ingredient in this treat is Pink Himalayan salt. The pretzel pieces add some salt, but a generous sprinkle of Pink Himalayan salt kicks it up a notch. I add the salt at the same time I add the sprinkles. If you use the non pareils, go gently with those babies. They seem to be filled with helium or some such thing and they bounce around and fly to undiscovered corners of your kitchen – just a warning.
The whole batch comes together in less than 20 minutes and can cool down enough for packaging in about 10 minutes. It is affordable and delicious, making it the perfect homemade gift. You can pair it with a movie for a great family gift, or put it in smaller bags for bus drivers, mail carriers, etc. But if you are making it to give away, do not forget to make a double batch to share at home, too. It is sure to disappear quickly!
AuthorMelissa JoyDifficultyBeginnerPop the popcorn in a microwave popper and empty into a large bowl. Avoid dumping in the “old maids”, or unpopped corn.
Break the pretzels into pieces and set aside.
Melt the vanilla candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Start with 1 minute on high, stir and continue with 30 second increments until it is completely melted.
Pour half of the melted candy melts over the popcorn, mix in the pretzels, M&Ms, sprinkles and Pink Himalayn salt. Combine gently using 2 spoons, like you’re tossing a salad.
Add the rest of the melted candy melts and more sprinkles and salt, if desired. Continue to toss gently until well-coated.
Pour out onto wax paper and allow to cool and harden.
Break apart and store in an airtight container, or transfer to gift containers.
Ingredients
Directions
Pop the popcorn in a microwave popper and empty into a large bowl. Avoid dumping in the “old maids”, or unpopped corn.
Break the pretzels into pieces and set aside.
Melt the vanilla candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Start with 1 minute on high, stir and continue with 30 second increments until it is completely melted.
Pour half of the melted candy melts over the popcorn, mix in the pretzels, M&Ms, sprinkles and Pink Himalayn salt. Combine gently using 2 spoons, like you’re tossing a salad.
Add the rest of the melted candy melts and more sprinkles and salt, if desired. Continue to toss gently until well-coated.
Pour out onto wax paper and allow to cool and harden.
Break apart and store in an airtight container, or transfer to gift containers.
One Comment
Aunt Vetra
Uncle Dwane practically ate the whole batch. I couldn’t find the vanilla melts at either of our Walmart’s so used the Bakers white chocolate. Not knowing anything different, it worked. 🙂