Ingredients

The following ingredients have 16 Servings
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 4 bags salt-free microwave popcorn)
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bag mini peanut butter eggs
  • 1/4 cup Easter sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup candy melts (pink, yellow, purple, assorted etc.)
  • 1 cup coconut oil (for greasing fingers/spoons)

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 200°F. In a large popcorn kettle pot over medium high heat, add a layer of oil and a single layer of popcorn kernels. Heat, undisturbed, until popping begins. Use the crank to stir the popcorn for 3-5 minutes, until all of the kernels have popped. (OR if microwaving - follow instructions on the bag.) Spread the popcorn onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats and keep warm in the oven.
  • Prepare the sugar by combining the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Use a candy thermometer to bring the sugar to 250°F (should read between a "soft" and "hard" ball candy). Stir only occasionally, if the sugar starts to caramelize and brown.
  • Remove the popcorn from the oven. Either keep the popcorn on the baking sheets or transfer to another large, parchment paper lined, heat resistant surface. Spread the candies and sprinkles across the popcorn. Melt the candy melts and drizzle the desired colors over the popcorn.
  • Quickly and carefully pour the sugar over the popcorn in an even stream. Drizzle back and forth so that most of the exposed popcorn is touched with the melted sugar. Let cool for several minutes - long enough the sugar is cool enough to handle but still hot enough to stick to other pieces.
  • Cover your hands with coconut oil or shortening (OR use a large wooden spoon or spatula covered in shortening). Working from the bottom, fold the popcorn over so the unexposed layer is on top. BE CAREFUL - THE MELTED SUGAR IS VERY HOT. DO NOT DIRECTLY TOUCH SUGAR WITH HANDS. Repeat as necessary. Gently split and divide any clumps of popcorn as you work to distribute the candy melts and melted sugar evenly.
  • Let the popcorn cool in a single layer for about an hour. Hide fresh peanut butter eggs and other Easter candies throughout the cooled popcorn. Split the popcorn into individual servings for sharing! Happy Easter!