Gobble gobble mhm…If you like Rice Krispies, you’ll love this sweet and chewy marshmallow treat. Celebrate the season by rolling and decorating these adorable popcorn turkeys, and tell some “corny” jokes while you’re at it!
Turkey Popcorn Balls
Makes:
8-10 turkeys
Hands-on time:
25 minutes
Start-to-eat time:
1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (plus more to grease hands)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 10-ounce bag marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- optional decorations (candy corn, candy eyes)
Kids kitchen skills:
- stirring
- rolling
Tools:
- measuring cups & spoons
- large pot & lid
- large bowl
- pan
- spatula
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Step-by-step
Grown-up steps: It is important that the popcorn balls are rolled soon after being mixed with the melted marshmallows. They will be harder to shape once the marshmallows set. Test the popcorn by lightly touching with your hand, and if it is too warm, wait a few minutes before rolling. Younger chefs can help with decorating.
- Pour oil into a large pot and add popcorn kernels. Cover and cook on medium heat. The kernels will begin to pop in 2-3 minutes.
- After a couple minutes of popping, hold the pot handles with mitts on and shake carefully to help distribute kernels.
- When popping slows, turn the heat off. Transfer to a bowl, leaving any unpopped kernels behind.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows, vanilla, and salt. Stir continuously, until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the marshmallow syrup over popcorn and mix well. After a few minutes, grease hands with oil and roll the popcorn into balls 3-inch in diameter.
- Place popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to set for an hour at room temperature, then decorate!
