Red Hot Poppers

These fun and tasty patriotic popcorn balls are the perfect hand-held treats for Fourth of July backyard barbecues and picnics.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 quarts popped popcorn
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cups red hot cinnamon flavored candies
Red and blue confection stars
Red licorice string

Cooking Directions:

1. Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap onto a work surface and spray within cooking spray.
   
2. Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
   
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn, adding red hot candies, and mix well until coated.
   
4. Spray hands with cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto balls. Place a piece of licorice string on top of each ball.

Makes about 24 popcorn balls.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Popcorn Board.