Here is THE {Cheap and Delicious} Holiday Treat to Make for Neighbors This Year!
When I was a kid we had a friend of the family (and I use the term “friend” pretty loosely, she was definitely more of an acquaintance) who made the most elaborate and gorgeous cookie plates she gave out every year for Christmas. She had 3 or 4 different kinds of cookies, at least 2 kinds of fudge (including the super fussy “divinity” fudge), chocolate covered pretzels, the works! I mentioned she was an acquaintance because now as an adult I can really appreciate all the time and effort that went into baking all these different goodies and I am even more amazed that she gave them out to people she hardly even knew! This woman must have really loved to bake! At least I hope that is the case :)
I am no Sandra, and definitely like to make things as easy as I possibly can when it comes to the friends and neighbor gift. I am the neighbor who will do the Bath and Body Works soap or the Christmas pineapple. I am not super motivated to bake countless hours in the already-packed-to-the-brim busy month of December, so while I appreciate and am impressed by people like Sandra, I can never be a Sandra. I have a really great treat to share with you today that is such a hit for everyone is a really easy and affordable treat to make for all your little Christmas gifts. It’s the best of both worlds!
This is a peppermint bark popcorn recipe from the Our Best Bites blog. It has two key ingredients that make this popcorn treat taste divine.
Almond Bark
After you pop up all your popcorn you are going to coat the popcorn with a mixture of almond bark, crushed up peppermint candy canes, and some peppermint extract. Almond bark, despite what the name sounds like, has no almonds in it whatsoever, it is just similar to white chocolate, but melts even better and more evenly. So try to grab a package of almond bark the next time you are at the store in the baking aisle because it is better to use than regular white chocolate chips.
Mushroom Popcorn
Have you ever noticed the nice gourmet bags of popcorn have a special type of popcorn kernel that becomes quite round and large when popped? This is a special type of popcorn called “mushroom” popcorn and you can find it easily online (like on Amazon) if you don’t see it in your grocery store. This makes the treat even more gourmet and tasty so try and get your hands on that type of product for the most gourmet looking treat.
Here are a few great reasons to make this popcorn this year:
I hope you give this treat a try--if not for the neighbors, just make it for yourself! You and your whole family will be hooked too!
16 cups popped popcorn * (fresh, or about 2 bags microwave popcorn)
1 pound almond bark
1 box (6 ounces) candy canes, crushed (about 1 generous cup, Bob's brand are the best!)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil or 2 teaspoons peppermint extract**
3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Add Recipe to Cook'n
blog comments powered by Disqus
I am no Sandra, and definitely like to make things as easy as I possibly can when it comes to the friends and neighbor gift. I am the neighbor who will do the Bath and Body Works soap or the Christmas pineapple. I am not super motivated to bake countless hours in the already-packed-to-the-brim busy month of December, so while I appreciate and am impressed by people like Sandra, I can never be a Sandra. I have a really great treat to share with you today that is such a hit for everyone is a really easy and affordable treat to make for all your little Christmas gifts. It’s the best of both worlds!
This is a peppermint bark popcorn recipe from the Our Best Bites blog. It has two key ingredients that make this popcorn treat taste divine.
Almond Bark
After you pop up all your popcorn you are going to coat the popcorn with a mixture of almond bark, crushed up peppermint candy canes, and some peppermint extract. Almond bark, despite what the name sounds like, has no almonds in it whatsoever, it is just similar to white chocolate, but melts even better and more evenly. So try to grab a package of almond bark the next time you are at the store in the baking aisle because it is better to use than regular white chocolate chips.
Mushroom Popcorn
Have you ever noticed the nice gourmet bags of popcorn have a special type of popcorn kernel that becomes quite round and large when popped? This is a special type of popcorn called “mushroom” popcorn and you can find it easily online (like on Amazon) if you don’t see it in your grocery store. This makes the treat even more gourmet and tasty so try and get your hands on that type of product for the most gourmet looking treat.
Here are a few great reasons to make this popcorn this year:
- If you are handing it to friends and neighbors, the great news is that it will keep fresh and last well for a few days, so you can feel good if you get busy with life and can’t get your treats out right away.
- It packs really well, so feel free to put it in bags, cups or a cute festive holiday bag or container for sharing.
- Every single person out there loves this stuff! And can’t get enough, so you really can’t go wrong with it!
- It makes a HUGE batch with very little effort and is very cost effective so it is a great treat to make for the neighbors that goes a long way.
I hope you give this treat a try--if not for the neighbors, just make it for yourself! You and your whole family will be hooked too!
Peppermint Bark Popcorn - Our Best Bites
Peppermint Bark Popcorn, your new favorite holiday treat. This is my go-to for holiday parties and neighbor gifts! It’s super quick & easy to make! Author: Sara Wells; Author: Our Best Bites
Serving size: 10
Calories per serving: 134
Ingredients:
Calories per serving: 134
16 cups popped popcorn * (fresh, or about 2 bags microwave popcorn)
1 pound almond bark
1 box (6 ounces) candy canes, crushed (about 1 generous cup, Bob's brand are the best!)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil or 2 teaspoons peppermint extract**
3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Place popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.
2. Melt almond bark according to package instructions. When completely melted, add extract or peppermint oil. If using extract, it’s normal for the almond bark to seize (get lumpy) which is okay, just stir very quickly, the more you wait the more it will seize.
3. Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top. Stir to evenly coat. Pour popcorn out onto waxed paper, parchment, or foil and spread out.
4. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the popcorn mixture. Let mixture dry completely until chocolate and almond bark are hardened. You may place in the fridge to speed the process along.
5. When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth!
Notes:
*If you’re using microwave popcorn, try to find an unbuttered or “natural” kind because this looks prettier if the popcorn isn’t bright yellow! Lightly salted is fine, I actually like a little salt in there, but avoid heavy buttered.
**Also, if you can find flavored oils, like you would use for candy making, use them as they will best combine with the almond bark. If using extract, it’s not unusual for it to cause the almond bark to seize, but just stir quickly and pour immediately on popcorn. Once distributed it will be just fine.
Source: ourbestbites.com
2. Melt almond bark according to package instructions. When completely melted, add extract or peppermint oil. If using extract, it’s normal for the almond bark to seize (get lumpy) which is okay, just stir very quickly, the more you wait the more it will seize.
3. Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top. Stir to evenly coat. Pour popcorn out onto waxed paper, parchment, or foil and spread out.
4. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the popcorn mixture. Let mixture dry completely until chocolate and almond bark are hardened. You may place in the fridge to speed the process along.
5. When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth!
Notes:
*If you’re using microwave popcorn, try to find an unbuttered or “natural” kind because this looks prettier if the popcorn isn’t bright yellow! Lightly salted is fine, I actually like a little salt in there, but avoid heavy buttered.
**Also, if you can find flavored oils, like you would use for candy making, use them as they will best combine with the almond bark. If using extract, it’s not unusual for it to cause the almond bark to seize, but just stir quickly and pour immediately on popcorn. Once distributed it will be just fine.
Source: ourbestbites.com
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Mary Richardson
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
Email the author! mary@dvo.com
Sources:
- www.commons.wikimedia.org
- www.flickr.com
- www.ourbestbites.com
