Snow Covered Popcorn-12 Days of Easy Sweets

12 Days of Easy Sweets

For the last two years in October, I have attended a quilting retreat with a great group of quilting friends.  Now, when quilters get together, they have to have snacks, so there is always a Snack Table loaded with just about any snack one can think of.  One of the girls brings popcorn that I find positively addicting.  The popcorn has a white coating that I could not put my finger on at first, and then she told me it was vanilla almond bark and how quick and easy it was to make.

Many of you may have this recipe: but, if you don’t, you should.  I bet that you will love it as much as I do.  My friend uses 2 bags of microwave popcorn, but the frugal side of me said that I should use regular air-popped popcorn, so I set out to see how much of that would equal 2 bags of microwave popcorn.  It turns out that 1/4 c. popcorn, popped in an air popper, makes the same amount of popped popcorn as 2 bags of microwave popcorn and with less unpopped kernels.  So use either microwave popcorn or air popped popcorn in this recipe.

This makes a great quick and easy gift to put in a plastic bag and tie up with a ribbon

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Snow Covered Popcorn
from Linny
1/4 c. popcorn, popped in an air popper or 2 bags microwave popcorn, popped
2 squares vanilla flavored almond bark
1 T. vegetable oil (I added this)

Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside.  Combine almond bark squares and vegetable oil in a glass measuring cup or other microwave safe container.  Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, remove from microwave and stir.  Continue to microwave at 50% power in 15 to 20 second intervals, stirring each time, until mixture is completely smooth.  Pour over popcorn, mixing quickly with a rubber spatula until all the popcorn is coated.  Turn out onto a cookie sheet and allow coating to set.  Enjoy and try not to eat it all yourself.

Easy Glazed Walnut Halves

Glazed nuts are nice to have on hand to serve to unexpected company.  Easy Glazed Walnut Halves are made of walnuts and three common pantry ingredients.  Those ingredients and 15 minutes of my time gets me a nice treat that is really very easy to make.

Other nuts such as almonds, pecan halves and cashews can also be used.  Spiced, glazed nuts can be made by adding various spices to the recipe.  I personally like Chinese 5-spice or curry.  They both add an interesting flavor.  Of, course the more common spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg can be added, too.  I usually add 1/2 t. of a spice to start.

I also like to make these and keep them on hand to add to salads.  When I do that, I omit the vanilla.  I like these best if the nuts have been lightly toasted before making these.

Easy Glazed Walnut Halves
2 T. butter
1/2 c. sugar
2 c. walnut halves or other nuts, lightly toasted if possible
1 t. vanilla

Melt butter and sugar together in a large skillet over medium heat watching carefully and stirring frequently.  When mixture is just about melted, (this take about 10 minutes.)  Add nuts, cooking and stirring until nuts are completely coated with sugar mixture.  Remove from heat and add vanilla and spices, if using.   Turn into a non-stick sprayed baking sheet.  Using two forks and working quickly separate nuts into individual pieces and let cool.  Store in tightly covered zip-top bag.  Makes 2 cups.
Use as a snack, in snack mixes and to add crunch and sweetness to salads.

Linking to these great parties:
Cast Party Wednesday
Show and Share Wednesday
Wow Me Wednesday
Two Girls and a Party
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Linking Up with Lil'Luna
Whimsy Wednesday
What's in Your Kitchen Wednesday
Wicked Good Wednesday
Work It Wednesday
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