Peppermint Bark Popcorn

It’s almost Christmas, and I’m sure you can’t help getting in the spirit because all of the stores are blaring Christmas music. Although it’s practically criminal to totally disregard Thanksgiving like that (how dare they?) it’s really contagious.

Ut oh! I’ve got Christmas fever!

White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks? I’ll take two! Wait? You make them “skinny?” I’ll take four!

 

Kidding…maybe.

Anyhoodle, I love Christmas. And I love making homemade gifts for people. I love spreading the joy via baked goods.

When I was younger, this was all started with peppermint bark. I used to make it for all of our neighbors. I loved it!

But now? I get deterred by a hunk of chocolate. But chocolate spread out over puffs of popcorn, with a hint of salt to make it salty-sweet, and brand new seasonal M&Ms that make it minty and fresh? Ummm…I’ll take four!

 

Kidding…maybe.

Plus, this popcorn mix makes an impressive and delicious gift. I guarantee it! I promise! Yes, promise…because I took it to my parents’ and we sat around and gorged on it. Success.

 

½ cup popcorn kernels

½ cup almond bark (white chocolate), melted (measured after melting)

¼ cup White Chocolate Peppermint M&Ms, chopped

1/3 cup White Chocolate Peppermint M&Ms, whole

2 Tbs. crushed peppermint pieces

2 Tbs. holiday sprinkles

1 tsp. coarse Kosher salt

~Use an air popper to pop the popcorn kernels. Spread the popped kernels in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking pan (a large cookie sheet or roasting pan).

~Melt the white chocolate almond bark. Drizzle it all over the popcorn. Sprinkle the M&M candies (whole and pieces) all over the popcorn. Use a silicone spatula to carefully stir the mixture to coat more of the popcorn and adhere the M&Ms. Finally, sprinkle on the crushed peppermint pieces and sprinkles. Give the mixture one final stir and sprinkle the salt over it all.

~Let the popcorn mixture set completely before serving or bagging for gifts! Enjoy!

Strike up a conversation: Do you use the same recipe for food gifts every year or are you always changing it? I like to brainstorm a new list of fun treats every year! I always like to include a snacking mix, like this one, with the cookies or other goodies I make!