Sleepover Staple - Marshmallow Popcorn

This simple recipe was a part of almost every sleepover at my house growing up. (And other nights my mom just felt like making it because it's the best stuff on Earth.)  I made it for the girls last weekend when Michael was out of town and I think it's safe to say that the tradition will live on!  It's basically like making popcorn balls, but eating it before letting it cool and forming into balls.  Another way to think about it is making rice crispy treats but with popcorn.  Any way I describe it, just doesn't do it ooey gooey justice, so I'm just going to show you what I mean...

Marshmallow Popcorn

Ingredients: 

- 2 bags plain popcorn, popped

- 1 bag marshmallows

- 4 T. butter

(we halved this recipe when it was just me and my girls and we still didn't eat it all)

Directions:

1.  Pop the popcorn according to package directions.  Allow to cool slightly, then remove all the unpopped pieces.  Note:  this is important - you won't be able to see them under the marshmallow goodness and you don't want someone breaking a tooth.  The easiest way we've found is to dump the popcorn into one bowl, then gently move all the popped pieces into a second large bowl, leaving the hard, unpopped pieces.

2.  Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the marshmallows.  Cook, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted.  Remove from heat, then pour over the popcorn.  

3.  Gently toss to coat all the popcorn.  Allow to cool slightly (it's best when it's still warm), then eat right out of the bowl or split into individual bowls.  Yes, it's sticky, but for goodness sake, eat it with your fingers!

printable recipe

The girls are going to demonstrate proper sticky marshmallow removal techniques...

Nice form, Peanut, nice form.  One finger at a time.

Emma on the other hand, is more of a all-at-once kind of girl.

After this, a sugar-induced dance party ensued.  It was loud and crazy and filled with goofy baby giggles.  

Annalyn got the special treat of sleeping with Mama to top off the sleepover.

She loved it :)