Popcorn Snacks

I have come to the conclusion that popcorn is one of the hardest things in the world to say no to. 

That, and a bunch of cute little puppies in a cardboard box.

No matter how many times I pay WAAAAYYY too much for popcorn that I know I will never be able to finish, I continue to make the same mistake. Over, and over….and over.

A big part of the problem is the smell of popcorn….and of course, the popcorn smell hits me the hardest at the movie theater. And it never fails that while talking to the concession counter person, I come down with a disease called “Temporary Popcorn Amnesia”. If you are unfamiliar with the disease, let me give you a rundown: 

Me: “Uh…I’d like a medium Coke and a small popcorn”

Master of Popcorn Trickery (otherwise known as Concession Worker): “Did you know that for just a few more dollars you can make that popcorn a large and get free refills?”

Me: “Ummmm….I don’t know if I can eat all that…well…..hmmm….which one is the small and which is the large again?”

Concession Worker holds up a tiny bag and a big huge bucket.

Me: “Oh wow….that’s a big difference…..”

And this is where the Temporary Popcorn Amnesia kicks in. You see, I have probably ordered the large popcorn about a hundred times in my life. And out of those hundred times, every single instance has ended with me walking out of the theater half sick from massive butter consumption, carrying a two thirds full popcorn bucket to the trash.You would think that somewhere along the line, I’d have learned a lesson. The fact that I haven’t is what has convinced me that I suffer from the incurable TPA disease.

Me: I look at my husband, who is shaking his head.

Husband: “You’ll never eat all that”

Me: “But you get free refills…”

Husband: “Ok, just get whatever you want”

And of course, I order the large….and of course, I am sick of popcorn before the opening previews are even finished. 

I should never be allowed to do the ordering at the movie theater. It’s too much for me to handle.

I saw these Popcorn Snacks in a Taste of Home magazine and I loved the fun bright color of the bars and the easiness of the recipe. And of course, I loved the popcorn. 


INGREDIENTS

1 package (16 oz) mini marshmallows
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 quarts popped popcorn
1 package (16 oz) M&M’s
1 jar (16 oz) dry roasted peanuts

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the marshmallows, butter and oil until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, M&M’s and peanuts. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix well. Press into two greased 9×13 inch pans. Let stand for 2 hours or until set.

These bars are a great alternative to the usual popcorn balls. You can substitute candy corns at Halloween or red/green candies at Christmas. Feel free to omit the peanuts.


Happy Thursday!!