Holiday Crunch Popcorn

This time of year there is no shortage of sweets and treats floating around. I'm never one to shy away from snagging a delightfully decorated sugar cookie, or sending a batch of Scott's favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies to work with him. Truth be told, I generally don't need much of a reason reason to whip up something festive and tasty. However, these days, with a 3.5 year old and an almost 4 month old I don't have a lot of free time to make the elaborate sweets that I used to. Either Marcus is begging to play football, Julia is needing to nurse, and then sprinkle in the million other things that daily life simply requires me to do. I just don't have the time to make anything too fancy these days.

BUT! I can pop a mean batch of popcorn. AND! I can add some sugary sweetness and fun festive colors to it to make an easy, delicious, and oh-so Christmas-y treat.

What You'll Need

1 bag popped popcorn
salt to taste
1/4 cup butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup Red and green M&Ms of your choice (I went with a blend of plain and peanut M&Ms, because, variety)
sprinkles - I say, the more the merrier!

How it Comes Together

Pop popcorn according to instructions on the bag.
Once popped, remove all un-popped kernels.
On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out popcorn into a single layer.
In a pan, on medium heat, melt butter.
Once butter is melted add marshmallows. Continuously stir marshmallows until completely melted. Be careful not to overcook.
Turn off heat and immediately add vanilla and stir until fully incorporated into melted marshmallows.
Pour marshmallow mix over popcorn, and fold over with a spoon, covering popcorn with marshmallow mix.
Add M&Ms and sprinkles to the still warm popcorn/marshmallow mix.
Allow to fully cool and break apart before serving.
Enjoy!

Seriously, so easy and fast! Marcus' favorite may have been the taste testing of the marshmallows before they were melted. He was pretty fond of the final product as well.

This would be perfect for any holiday party or get together. Go ahead and make a batch. I promise it won't disappoint.

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