Fabulous Fun Fall Treats!

Popcorn Balls

1 C unpopped popcorn
1/4 C butter
1 C miniature marshmallows
1 lb box powdered sugar
3/4 C light corn syrup
2 T water
food coloring

Pop popcorn in microwave or on stove according to instructions. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl. In a medium pan, add the butter and melt on low, then add the marshmallows, powdered sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook while stirring until it comes to a hard boil. Remove from heat and add a few drops of food coloring until it turns the color you wish. Stir well and pour over the popcorn. Stir to coat all of the popcorn, then shape into ball with buttered hands. Wrap each ball with plastic wrap.

Autumn Popcorn Mix

10 C popped popcorn (plain)
1 C dry-roasted salted peanuts
1/4 C honey
2 T cider
2 T butter or margarine
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place popcorn and peanuts in a 13x9x2 baking pan. In a pan, stir together the honey, cider, margarine, and cinnamon until well mixed. Bring to boil over medium heat. Drizzle the honey mixture over the popcorn and nut mixture. Toss until well mixed in the pan. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring 2-3 times during baking. When finished, spread the mixture onto large sheet of foil or a buttered cookie pan. Cool. Store in a covered container.

Caramel Popcorn Clusters

10 C popped popcorn
2 C almonds
1 C packed light brown sugar
1/2 C butter or margarine
1/4 C light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or lightly grease with margarine. Mix the popcorn and almonds in a large bowl. Combine brown sugar, margarine and corn syrup in a medium pan. Over low heat, stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda. Pour over the popcorn and almonds, quickly stirring to coat. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet, spreading evenly. Bake for 1 hour. Cool and break into pieces and store in airtight container.

Mini Popcorn Balls

10 C popped corn
1 lb bag miniature marshmallows
1/4 C butter or margarine
1 C toffee pieces or mini M&Ms
1 C butterscotch chips
Orange food coloring

Place popcorn, candy and butterscotch chips in large bowl; set aside. Heat the butter in a large pan until just melted, then add the marshmallows and cook over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in several drops of food coloring and stir. Pour over popcorn and candy, tossing to coat evenly. Cool 5 minutes. Butter hands and form into 2 or 3-inch balls.

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These recipes may be freely distributed with the following information:

Leslie Sausage lives with her husband in rural Texas. She is the mom of four grown children, a freelance writer, and has a degree in business administration. You are invited to visit her online for more creative, practical and fun ideas -- http://heart4home.net.