Popcorn Easter Baskets

Delight your children and friends with these adorable marshmallow and popcorn Easter baskets filled with candy eggs.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 quarts popped popcorn
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
3 tablespoons (1/2 of a 3-ounce box) strawberry, lime, or lemon gelatin dessert mix
12 (8-inch) licorice twists (mix or match the colors)
1/2 cup shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
Green food color, or color of choice
Small candy-coated chocolate eggs or jellybeans
Equipment needed: 12-cup jumbo-sized muffin pan

Cooking Directions:

1. Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
   
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin dessert powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.
   
3. Spray hands with cooking spray and press firmly to form into 12 balls. Press each popcorn ball into well of a greased muffin tin. Press firmly into muffin pan with the back of a spoon to form base of basket. Bend and press a licorice twist firmly into both sides of each basket. (If licorice seems thick, peel 2 to 3 strings from each piece).
   
4. Place coconut into resealable plastic sandwich bag. Sprinkle a drop of food color onto coconut and seal bag. Press bag to distribute color evenly. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of coconut onto each basket. Place a few candy eggs into each basket. Allow basket to set about 1 hour before gently removing baskets from muffin pan. (Removal can be made easier with the tip of a small knife applied to pan edge).
   
5. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage. Add a ribbon tie to plastic wrap as a decorative closure.

Makes 12 Easter popcorn baskets (basket base is 3-inches wide and 1 3/4-inches high).

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Popcorn Board.