Caramallow Peanut Popcorn

If your like my family, just the smell of popcorn makes me hungry for it.  I can be completely full and still want some once I smell the buttery goodness in the air.  How about smelling that along with caramel and marshmallows?!?!  This recipe combines it all.  It is good to eat warm and gooey or after it has cooled and become chewy.  Either way, it is a treat for your senses.

National Popcorn Day is January 19th.  I teamed up with Oriental Trading for this post.  They provided these super cute popcorn containers and bags that would be great for any celebration.  Fill them with this recipe or your own favorite popcorn. 

Ingredients:
1 bag microwave popcorn
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
14 large marshmallows
1 cup peanuts
Popcorn treat boxes from Oriental Trading

Directions:

1.  Pop the bag of popcorn and throw away any kernals.  Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
2.  Melt butter in medium size pot on stove with medium heat.
3.  Add brown sugar and syrup.  Stir frequently until combined.
4.  Add marshmallows.  Keep stirring until all ingredients are melted together.
5.  Pour caramel marshmallow mixture over popped popcorn.  Add peanuts.  Stir to coat completely.
6.  Serve immediately or let cool for a chewy mixture.

If you are looking for more great party ideas and supplies go to Oriental Trading. 

**Oriental Trading sent me products for this review.  All opinions are my own. 

Please stop on over to say hi!!

Thanks ~ Nichi

I like linking my posts to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Favorite No Bake Treats of 2012

It has been a great year full of fun recipes, projects, and making new blogging friends.  I thought I would share my favorite no bake treats from 2012.  They are all easy to make and will be the hit at your parties, gatherings, or just for fun.  Thanks to all of you for a great year.  I'm really looking forward to 2013!!

Indoor Smore Bars

Nilla Wafer Treats

Mallow Pops

Cake Batter Krispie Treats

Watermelon Krispie Treats

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Turkey Cookies

Oreo Lollipops

Mini Cannolis

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Mallow Pops

I love to spend late nights in my kitchen after my husband and kids are in bed.  But, I'm a night owl.  No early morning fun for this gal.  I just don't function well.  I seem to get a second wind late at night and my mind wanders with baking, craft, and project ideas.  These were a fun late night creation this week that I made for my sister's birthday.  We had a small gathering to celebrate and I wanted something fun for the kids.  Aren't they cute??  They would also be a great treat for your upcoming classroom Halloween parties.

(printable recipe)

1 pkg. of almond bark or white chocolate
1 bag of large marshmallows
paper straws or lollipop sticks (I cut straws in half)
sprinkles
wax paper

Push straws or sticks half way through marshmallows

Dip in bark or chocolate

Dip into colorful sprinkles

Place on waxed paper to cool

Source:  The Mandatory Mooch original

This recipe was featured on Michelle's Tasty Creations

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Smore Brownies

One night over the weekend I had a terrible chocolate craving.  Not just any chocolate craving...I NEEDED BROWNIES!!!!  So, at 10:30pm I searched the internet for a brownie recipe that appealed to me.  This is what a found.  It didn't disappoint either.  As my entire family is snug in bed, I baked my had-to-have brownies and devoured a huge piece on my own.  My kids were delighted to find them the next morning waiting for them on the counter.   They are best warm, or warmed up the next day (the marshmallows tend to get a little hard and chewy).  Enjoy!! Ingredients: 1 (21.5 ounce) package brownie mix 6 graham crackers 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 c. chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Spread into a greased 9x13 inch pan.

2.  In a medium bowl, break graham crackers into 1 inch pieces and toss with miniature marshmallows and  chocolate chips. Set mixture aside.

3.  Bake brownies for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove, and sprinkle the smore goodies evenly over the top. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares. Source:  "mooched" and adapted from allrecipes.com

Indoor Smore Bars

Who doesn't like a smore?!?!  They are just one of those desserts that you simply can't resist.  My family always had them at the campground with a freshly browned mallow squeezed between two graham crackers and chocolate.  We would even add some peanut butter once in a while.  Mmmmmm.....  After smashing them together you got the joy of white gooey yumminess all over your sticky fingers.  Well, if you aren't at a campground or have access to a toasty warm fire, these treats will please a crowd.  They are terrific for a quick dessert, recipe exchange, or family gathering.  No one can seem to resist the crunchy, chewy, chocolatey mix!! 

(printable recipe)

4 cups honey graham cereal
3 tablespoons margarine
6 cups miniature marshmallows

1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

1.  Coat a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray. 
2.  Place cereal into a large bowl; set aside.   
3.  In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt margarine. Introduce marshmallows and corn syrup and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. 
4.  Remove from heat and pour over waiting cereal; stir well to coat. 
5.  Press into prepared pan.  Cool completely before cutting into squares. 

Source:  unknown..been in my personal cookbook for many years

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Cake Batter Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats have always been a favorite in my house.  Such a great way to have an easy, kid-friendly, gotta-have-something-sweet snack in minutes.  When I heard about adding cake mix to them I had to give it a try.  And everything is better with sprinkles!!  These will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones without a lot of time in the kitchen. (printable recipe)

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. butter

1 (10 oz.) bag of marshmallows
2/3 cup boxed dry yellow or white cake mix

6 cups rice krispie cereal
1/2 cup sprinkles

Directions:

1.  Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

2.  In a large bowl, melt butter in microwave.  Add marshmallows and microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted and smooth when stirred.

3.  Stir in the dry cake mix and sprinkles.

4.  Stir in the cereal until it is completely coated with the marshmallow mixture. 

5.  Press into pan with a spatula sprayed with nonstick spray.

6.  Cool completely and cut into squares.

Source:  "mooched" from www.sallysbakingaddiction.com 

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!

Mallow Brownie Bars

Everything that's irresistible about a dessert got rolled into this recipe. What's your favorite part? The brownies on the bottom? The marshmallow in the middle? Or the chocolate peanut butter crunchy goodness  on the top?  Just make sure you have a big glass of milk ready with this one!!

(printable recipe)

Ingredients:

1 (19.8 ounce) package fudge brownie mix  
1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows 
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips  
1 cup peanut butter  
1 tablespoon butter  
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

Directions : 
1.  Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 28-30 minutes. 

2.  Top with marshmallows; bake 3 minutes longer (marshmallows will not be completely melted).  Let marshmallows cool before topping with next step.
3.  In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal. Spread over brownies. 

4.  Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm before cutting. 

Source:  a great co-worker who brings this to many gatherings

This recipe is linked up to THESE GREAT PARTIES!!!!