White Chocolate Pop Corn

 Here’s the recipe I promised on FB this past weekend.  We made a ton of it for our friend Jessica’s wedding reception, and I think it was a hit.  My sister was the first one to make it years ago and it’s been a favorite of ours ever since.

White Chocolate Popcorn

4 bags of popped microwave popcorn* (Or 2 good sized bags of popcorn – the kind that’s sold in the potato chip aisle.  I actually like this kind better because it stays fresher longer since it has preservatives in it.)  Either butter flavor or regular – both are delicious.

1 package of almond bark

Optional: candies or sprinkles to add desired colors

Prepare a work surface by laying waxed paper across the table or counter.  Melt the almond bark according to package directions (I use my Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker).  Place the popcorn in a HUGE bowl and pour the melted almond bark on top.  With a wooden spoon, gently stir the chocolate into the popcorn, being careful not to crush the popcorn.  It may seem like the almond bark won’t coat all of the popcorn, but it will.  Keep stirring.  Then spread the coated popcorn onto the waxed paper to dry.

This sweet/salty treat is delicious as it is.  But if you want to add anything else into the mix, you would sprinkle it on top of the coated popcorn and let it dry together.

For example:

Christmas – Red and Green M&M’s, or red and/or sprinkles, or crushed peppermint pieces

Valentine’s Day – Valentines M&M’s, or red hots, or red sprinkles

Easter – Easter colored M&M’s, sprinkles… you get the idea.

For sports events, you can use anything in team colors.

For special events (like we did with Jessica’s wedding), you can mix in anything in the event colors.

The possibilities are endless.  And I’ve seen some amazing add-in ideas on Pinterest… everything from crushed cookies to dried fruit, nuts, etc.

*If I’m making a large amount for gifts, I buy the jumbo bags of pre-popped popcorn and four packages of almond bark.  I spread waxed paper all over my dining room table, scotch-taping the strips together.  Instead of using the large bowl, I spread the popcorn out on the waxed paper, then melt the almond bark (one package at a time if using my micro-cooker) and pour it onto a fourth of the popcorn.  I wear my dishwashing gloves (grin) and use my hands to gently mix the two together.  I’ll then add the desired mix-ins.  It’s a messy job, but oh so easy!

Once the popcorn is set, break it apart and try hard not to eat the entire batch by yourself.  If there is any left, store it in an airtight container.  This makes a great gift and a fun addition to any eating occasion.