4th of July Popcorn

We had a red, white, and blue themed playgroup today and I had to bring a snack. Michael loves popcorn so I thought maybe we would try one of the many recipes floating around the internet for red, white, and blue popcorn. This one turned out really colorful and strangely good. I will offer the warning that the initial taste is a bit strange, you aren't sure what flavor the popcorn is, but it is delightfully colorful and crunchy and let's be honest that is what kids want. You could do it in any color that Jello makes (that's right color not flavor). I think it would be so fun for a kid birthday party, anyway I digress. 

*recipe adapted from secretlifeofachefswife.com
4th of July Jello Popcorn
one batch of candy coating will make one color of popcorn, if you want to make both red and blue popcorn you will need to make two SEPARATE batches of candy coating. 

3/4c. uncooked popcorn kernals (this makes a LOT) 

Candy Coating
1/4 c. butter 
3 T. light corn syrup
1 small box flavored gelatin (3oz), blue raspberry for blue and strawberry for red

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 
2. Prepare cookie sheet- cover with parchment paper (I think greasing it would work too). 
3. Pour 9 cups of cooked popcorn into a large bowl and set aside. 
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add corn syrup and stir. Once the butter is totally melted add in the gelatin and stir. The mixture will be thick. 
5. Let the mixture barely boil (think simmer). 
6. Once the mixture boils, reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly
7. Pour cooked mixture over popcorn and stir to coat. 
8. Bake coated popcorn for 10 minutes (stirring once), and let cool. 
9. Once cooled, break apart and store in a dry place. 

Repeat with second flavor of gelatin. 

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