Halloween Popcorn Logs

Halloween Popcorn Logs are a very innovative variation on popcorn balls. Each log has a candy cane center. The original recipe calls for cooking syrup but I've included an easier method.

Cindy H. of Cleveland, Ohio submitted this recipe.

Halloween Popcorn Logs

3 quarts popped popcorn
12 candy sticks (about 4 1/2 inches long)
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cellophane and ribbon

Keep the popcorn warm in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven while preparing the syrup.

In a large saucepan combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook the mixture to hardball stage (250 degrees on a candy thermometer).

Stir in the vanilla. Pour the cooked syrup over popped the popcorn and stir well to coat. Butter your hands and shape about 1 cup of the popped corn around each candy stick to form logs. Let them stand until cool. Wrap each log in clear or colored cellophane or any bright paper. Secure each end with ribbon.

Yield: 12 logs.

Halloween Popcorn Logs Easy Version

3 quarts popped popcorn
12 candy sticks (about 4 1/2 inches long)
1 (1-lb.) package large marshmallows
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt the marshmallows and the butter in a large saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir well to coat. Butter your hands well and form into the logs as above.

Easy Popped Popcorn

1 plain brown paper sandwich bag (10 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches)
1/4 cup unpopped popcorn
1 tbsp canola oil
Salt to taste

Measure out the popcorn in 1/4 cup measuring cup. Pour the measured oil right over the corn in the cup. Dump into the bag and fold the top about 1/2 inch 2 or 3 times. Place in the microwave with the folded side up and microwave on high about 4 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle with salt if desired. For making these popcorn ball recipes you might not wish to add salt at all but I do.

This recipe yields about 1 quart.

Whichever method you use to make your Halloween Popcorn Logs the kiddies will love them.