GOOEY CHRISTMAS POPCORN

It's time to get festive!  This holiday popcorn mix is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and oh-so-merry! Who’s ready for a deliciously colorful treat?

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Why we love Gooey Christmas Popcorn:

Gooey Christmas Popcorn has been a favorite in our home since we were newly weds! This is a quick and easy recipe to throw together for gatherings and for sharing with friends and neighbors!

Over the years I’ve adapted this recipe for various allergies. Swapping out the chocolate candies for a #nutfree version for my daughter and other family members.

The portion sizes are easy to adjust, making it a perfect snack for large gatherings or cozy family nights. Whether served in a big bowl for a holiday movie marathon or individually bagged as gifts, it's a treat that's easy to share and brings people together.

Ingredients 

• Popcorn - Naturally, popcorn is gluten-free, making it a good option for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. However, make sure to check any added ingredients if you're buying prepackaged popcorn, as some flavored versions might contain gluten.
• Marshmallows - Adding marshmallows to popcorn creates a sweet and indulgent treat, turning a simple snack into something more exciting and enjoyable. The marshmallows add sweetness and a sticky texture which helps bind the popcorn together.
• Holiday M&M's - Adding holiday M&M's to popcorn is a festive touch that enhances the overall flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the treat. Our favorite is using the Peanut M&M's. However, with a nut allergy in our home we also use the plain M&M's. For DAIRY FREE, I love UNREAL and Justin's dark chocolate peanut candy pieces. 
• Butter - The butter helps to maintain moisture, preventing the marshmallow coating from becoming too hard or brittle. This ensures the popcorn remains chewy and soft, which is a desirable texture in this popcorn recipe. For DAIRY FREE I love Miyokos and Melt Organics. Please note, Miyokos is made from Cashews. 
• Sugar -  SAdding sugar to marshmallow popcorn is often done to enhance the flavor, create a more indulgent treat, and provide a crispier texture to the marshmallow coating.
• Vanilla - adds flavor and enhances sweet flavors 
• Karo Syrup - corn syrup is an invert sugar, which means it prevents the sugar in the mixture from crystallizing. Without it, the sugar could form gritty crystals, giving your marshmallow coating a rough or grainy texture. The syrup ensures a smooth, shiny coating on the popcorn.
• Sprinkles - Adding sprinkles to sugar cookies add visual and sensory benefits. A few of my favorites are SuperNatural and Watkins. 
• Pretzels - Pretzels introduce a crunchy, crispy texture that complements the light, airy texture of the popcorn. The salty, slightly tangy taste of pretzels contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the popcorn. My favorite pretzels are from FitJoy, they are also paleo. Quinn also has a good pretzel. 

{GOOEY CHRISTMAS POPCORN}

16-20 cups popped popcorn
3 c. mini marshmallows
2 c. peanut @mmschocolate
1 c. butter (DF if needed) 
1 1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. karo syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
Optional: Christmas sprinkles, @fitjoy pretzels, etc

DIRECTIONS: 
1) Mix popcorn and marshmallows in a large bowl. In a saucepan bring butter, sugar and karo syrup to a boil.

2) Remove from heat and add vanilla.

3) Pour over popcorn.

4) Mix in M&M’s and any other optional toppings. Mix well.

5) Spread onto wax paper to dry. Store in an air tight container.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think! I also love seeing what you make, please tag me on Instagram! This helps me to create more for each of you!