Chewy Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

Pink snacks make me happy.  Happiness in an edible form is necessary when you become the mom of the kid who brings politics to preschool. 

Seriously.  That just happened. 

Note to self: Do not let your preschooler watch Super Tuesday ever again.

After today I need a whole crackload of this pseudo happiness.



This is great right after it's made (warm, gooey, and delicious), or several hours later (chewier and clumped together but still delicious).  I think it is best within a day or so, so eat it up quick.

Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

Recipe from: Jamie Cooks It Up

-2 bags microwave popcorn, popped (Lightly Salted works great.  You can also replace with 1/2 cup kernels, popped and lightly salted.)

-8 oz cinnamon bears  (A bag is usually 16 oz so just use half.)

-1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)

-1/4 cup corn syrup

-3/4 cup sugar

-1/2 tsp vanilla

-Americolor Electric pink food coloring (a drop of red will work too.)

-2 cups mini marshmallows

Empty your popped popcorn into a LARGE bowl.  Pick out unpopped kernels.

Use some kitchen scissors to cut each of your cinnamon bears into thirds. 

 

In a medium saucepan combine butter, corn syrup, and sugar over medium heat until boiling.  Reduce to low and cook for 5 minutes.  

Remove pan from heat and add vanilla, food coloring, and marshmallows. Mix until smooth.

 

Add chopped cinnamon bears. 

Pour pink mixture over popcorn and mix with a metal spoon until popcorn is evenly coated. 

Consume immediately for a gooey snack, or let cool completely, then break into pieces and store in an airtight container.  This will result in a chewier snack. Best if consumed within a day or so.

You could also form these into individual popcorn balls while warm and store in sandwich baggies or cello bags.