Make Your Own Popcorn Balls
Lots of sugar and fat can make this classic Halloween treat super scary. This lightened-up treat has a few tricks – homemade popcorn, a few better-for-you ingredients and smart portions.
Depending on the ingredients, basic buttery and sugary popcorn balls can have anywhere from 200 to 400-plus calories. The numbers only go up from there with the addition of nuts, candy and caramel. Treat trick-or-treaters or Halloween party-goers to this homemade version -- with a fraction of the calories -- instead.
In a large bowl combine popcorn, pumpkin seeds and candy corn; set aside.
Melt spread in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted (3 to 4 minutes). Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and toss well to coat. Using a spoon, scoop out a handful of mixture and form into 16 evenly sized balls. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to cool and set. Once cool, store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
** For each 5 cups of popcorn, place ¼ cup popcorn kernels in a paper lunch bag and microwave on high heat for approximately 2 minutes. Repeat.
Prep Tip: Mixture is sticky. Coat hands with nonstick cooking spray to make forming balls easier.