(Family Features) Holiday celebrations tend to bring out everyone’s best and brightest, and this year you can pair the sparkle and magic of the season with the heartwarming comfort of cozy foods. Eye-catching decor boasting holiday reds, greens and golds becomes even more inviting when complemented by favorite wintery snacks that enhance the holiday spirit.
Spend a snowy afternoon nestled in a warm kitchen with your little ones making these Festive Popcorn Trees, which offer the best of both worlds. These charming, edible trees allow you time together while encouraging creativity as your kids decorate their own popcorn masterpieces, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table.
Festive Popcorn Trees
Yield: 10 trees
10 cups air-popped popcorn
1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray
Green decorating sugar
Blue decorating sugar
1 tube white frosting with decorating tip
Assorted small colorful candies, such as sprinkles
Miniature silver dragees
Sugar cookies, for serving (optional)
Shredded coconut, for serving (optional)
Place popcorn in large bowl. In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir marshmallows and butter until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour mixture over popcorn in bowl. Toss well to coat popcorn evenly. Line baking sheet with foil. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray then scoop about 1 cup popcorn mixture. Shape mixture into cone, keeping base flat. This forms one tree. Sprinkle tree with green and blue decorating sugars; place tree on baking sheet. Repeat to make additional trees. Pipe frosting on trees to make garland then decorate with colorful candies and miniature silver dragees.
Serving suggestion: Place each tree on sugar cookie, if desired, and decorate serving tray with shredded coconut to resemble snow.
Tips: Start the recipe with unflavored white popcorn for best color and flavor. Make colored sugar by adding food coloring to sugar then stirring in bowl or shaking vigorously in sealed container. Add more food coloring for more intense tones.
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Source: Popcorn Board
