National Popcorn Day! Jan 19th

For National Popcorn Day, we did several things (and several less than I wanted to :) ).  Before we go any further, let me just say I found a way to get the unpopped kernels out before doing delicious things to them: Take a bowl of popped popcorn. Place a cookie rack over it (perfect sized holes!)  and firmly grasp the bowl while you flip it upside down over the garbage can and shake a little.  The kernels fall through the holes and the popcorn stays in the bowl (provided you didn't let it fall out the side--oops!).  Flip it back and voilà!!

Here is the recipe I always wanted to try and did.  Mega Yummy!!

Jello Popcorn

(adapted from Kraftrecipes.com)

8 cups popped popcorn.

1 cup planters cocktail peanuts (I did not add this)

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

3 Tbsp. light corn syrup

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar or granulated sugar (I used the latter)

1 small package (4 serving size) jello.  (I used strawberry)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Line 15X10X1 inch baking pan with foil or wax paper. (I used precut parchment on a cookie sheet.)  Toss popcorn and peanuts in large bowl (not plastic) and set aside.

Place butter and syrup in a small saucepan; cook on low heat until butter is melted.  Add sugar and gelatin.  Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.  Bring to boil on medium heat.  Reduce to low and simmer 5 minutes.  Pour immediately over popcorn mixture and toss to coat well.  BE VERY CAREFUL AS THIS IS REALLY HOT.  Spread into prepared pan, using 2 forks to spread evenly.  

Bake 10 minutes.  Cool.  Remove from pan and break into small pieces.