Value Popcorn

We are in the planning stages for our YW New Beginnings right now. It is going to be great - think fairytale, storybook, knights in shining armour (well, maybe not but close).

I came across a recipe for "value popcorn" which is basically candied popcorn that you make using Jell-O and since it comes in all the colors of the rainbow, you can coordinate it to all of the YW values. I thought this would be a great addition to our NB.


I gave the popcorn a try yesterday to test it out and - YUM!!! It is really tasty! It's crunchy and fruity and so, so simple. My only disappointment is that it's not as brightly colored as I imagined it would be but I think a little food coloring will fix that.

This is a great new "go-to" sweet treat and I simplified it even more by using light microwave popcorn. You've got to try some - I couldn't keep my hands off of the stuff. THink how darling it would be to do for Valentine's Day with all of the red and pink Jell-O flavors!


Here's the recipe:

Value Popcorn

1 large box Jell-O (not sugar free)
1 stick butter
1/4 C light karo
1 tsp. baking soda
15 C popcorn (kernels removed)

Put the popped corn in a large bowl. In a saucepan put the Jell-O, butter, and Karo. Cook until melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and let cook about a minute at a hard boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda. (If you want to add food coloring I would do it now.) Pour over the popcorn and stir well to coat.

Put the coated popcorn in a brown paper grocery sack. Roll down the top and place it in the mircrowave. Cook for 45 second to 1 minute on high. Shake the bag and put it back in the microwave upside down for 30 more seconds. Shake and pour out onto waxed paper to cool.


Notes: I used grape for my trial and its was tutti-fruity! The microwave part adds a little extra carmelization to the sugary coating and it crisps it up. I also just used a small box of Jell-O and cut everything else in half. About one bag (a little less) of microwave popcorn works well for this halved recipe. Think of the delicious possibilities when you're dealing with Jell-O! Goodness, I want some more.