How-To Tuesdays: Pink Party Popcorn

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Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks — it's quick, easy, and tasty as heck. But the usual butter and salt toppings can be a bit boring at times, no? My friend Billie rocked my world when she introduced me to white chocolate popcorn, which is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. She tints her white chocolate with pink food coloring, which adds a fun look that's great for parties. Pink Party Popcorn is now a staple at my house and makes an ideal treat for slumber parties and cookouts. Here's how to make it!

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Ingredients

Popcorn
Vegetable oil

White chocolate chips
Food coloring
Salt


Directions

Step 1: Pop up a batch of popcorn. I prefer to use the stove top method, but you could also use microwave popcorn if you must — just try to avoid the flavored kind. To make popcorn on the stove, I use a heavy cast-iron pot. Put in 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and shake it all up to coat. Heat over medium to medium-high heat with the cover cracked to let steam escape. Once the popping sounds stop, remove the pan from heat and let sit for a few minutes. You should end up with about 8 cups of popcorn.

Step 2: Sprinkle a bit of salt into the pot and shake it around (I prefer kosher salt flakes). Spread the popcorn over a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Pick out any unpopped kernels — we don't want anyone to break a tooth!

Step 3: Melt 6–8 ounces of white chocolate chips until smooth. You can use a double-boiler to melt them, or put them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time on medium power, stirring after each round. Once the chips are smooth, add a few drops of food coloring, and stir to blend. I like to copy my pal Billie and use red food coloring to create pink chocolate, but you can use any color you like. You could even heat your chips in a few different bowls and use a different color in each!

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Step 4: Use a spoon to drizzle and sprinkle the melted chocolate across the popcorn. Mix the popcorn around with your hands (or a couple of spoons if it's too hot) to distribute the chocolate. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes or so to allow the chocolate to harden. Now you're ready to serve and enjoy!

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Comments

Newest comments listed first.

Posted by: wendy on July 9, 2009 at 4:30 PM

i use air popped popcorn and this is a great way to dress it up! ty!


Posted by: Kischka on June 11, 2009 at 4:04 PM

Whenever red food coloring is called for, I like to substitute beet powder, available in natural food stores. The amount needed to make a nice pink does not impart a beet flavor to food, and it's all natural.


Posted by: ThePhantomMoon on June 10, 2009 at 8:34 AM

I don't know what's better - the cute and yummy looking popcorn or the Buffy dvd! Thanks for sharing :)


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