White Chocolate Covered Popcorn

It doesn't get any easier than this! ( And yes, I realize that these are in the same classification of Rice Krispie Treats.)  No judging until you have tried them!  This popcorn treat is fun to make, fun to eat, fun to package, fun to vary, fun to give away, fun to keep.....well you get the idea.
This summer I attended the wedding reception for the son of a good friend of mine.  As we left they had adorable popcorn cartons filled with the most delicious variation of popcorn mix that I had ever seen.  Then I tasted it and fell in love.  Your imagination is literally your only limitation with the mix.  For the Christmas Season I have used mint creme candies, crushed candy canes, chocolate coated candies and chocolate covered pretzels.  At Halloween I love to toss in candy corn or/and pieces of caramel.  Sometimes I drizzle milk chocolate for added color.  I had a dream the other night that I started with a layer of potato chips, milk chocolate, popcorn, white chocolate, pretzels etc.  Yes I dream food! This is a great last minute party treat and a super delicious neighbor gift at Christmas!

This is how I made mine today...

Pop one 3.3 oz butter flavor popcorn in the microwave and pour out on a large jelly roll pan covered in parchment or wax paper.  Remove all unpopped kernels. My mom had a handy Tupperware that could do this job but alas I had to use the hunt and peck method.
Now it's to add all the the nummy treats to the top of your popped corn!  Reserve a few of your smaller treats to add to the top after you have drizzled your white chocolate.  When I make mine I sort of break the pan into sections, putting different treats in each section so that when I put them in a bowl or package it all up it looks like there is a lot of variety.

Now comes the super fun part; melting and drizzling the white chocolate.  Pour 1 package (12 oz) of white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl (I like glass).  This is how I melt mine;
Microwave on half power for one minute.
Remove and stir once.
Microwave on half power for another minute.
Remove and stir a couple of times.
Microwave on full power for 30 seconds.
Stir until smooth and start drizzling baby!  I like using a metal tablespoon (dinnerware style) to do this.
Now, be generous and get a good coating on this as the chocolate is what binds it all together.  When you have it all nice a pretty, toss on those reserved candies to add color and texture to what the eye sees before the mouth consumes.

Let your masterpiece sit for 30 minutes while the chocolate dries.  Gently break it in to pieces for serving.  It goes a bit like this at my house; one for the bowl, one for me, one for the bowl, a bite for me... this usually yields 1/2 bowl and one happy tummy. :)  If that's the case wrap it up pretty and give it to someone you REALLY like.

White Chocolate Covered Popcorn by Sweet Suppertime

1  3.3 oz. bag butter flavored microwave popcorn, popped and unpopped kernals discarded
1 12 oz bag white chocolate chips
Candy of your choice such as:
chocolate coated candies
chocolate covered pretzels, broken in large pieces
chocolate mint cremes
crushed candy cane...the possibilities are endless

After popping the popcorn, pour it out on a large jelly roll pan covered with wax paper or parchment.  Sort through the popped corn and discard any kernels that have not popped. Spread out evenly on the pan. Sprinkle your desired candies on the top.  Be as generous as your taste buds and budget allows. Reserve a few candies to place on top of the finished product.
Melt one 12 oz package of white chocolate chips in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.  Use half power for in minute in the microwave, remove and stir.  Microwave for an additional minute on half power, remove and stir.  Microwave one last time on full power for 30 seconds.  Remove and stir until smooth, then quickly drizzle over the prepared popcorn and candies.  You will want to use the entire bag of white chocolate as this is what holds the popcorn bark together.  Sprinkle any reserved candies on top and allow to cool and dry for 30 minutes.
Gently break into pieces and enjoy!  (and maybe even share)