marshmallow popcorn balls

brooklin and i have been singing the song "popcorn popping" alot lately, partially because scott's mom sent brooklin a really fun children's cd in the mail a few weeks ago. it's called popcorn bopping, check it out! anyway, the question came up, "what is a popcorn ball?" well, after explaining that it was quite clear that we were going to have to make some popcorn balls so that brooklin could experience their deliciousness. i found the perfect recipe, so good and so simple, i just have to share it.

start out by popping 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn. we have an airpopper, but if you don't you could pop it in a pan with some oil over the stove .



set the popcorn aside. next melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium sauce pan over low heat.




measure out 5 cups of miniature marshmallows, and stir them in with the melted butter, still on low heat. make sure to stir constantly 'til the mixture is nice and smooth.





pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and mix with a spoon to coat evenly.




next, you can add candies if you'd like. our favorite is jelly bellies. so good!



let the popcorn cool a minute or two while you line a cookie sheet with parchment paper



and then grease your hands up. i use pam cooking spray, but you could also use butter.



now it's time to dig in and start forming your popcorn balls. make 'em as big or little as you'd like. i make smaller ones for brooklin, otherwise she'd be eating it for an hour. she's kind of a slow eater.




next, see how long you're able to let them set before you just can't control yourself anymore and you start munching on one. it's best to let them set at least 1/2 hour, but i know how tempting it can be. :)