Colored popcorn can be made with food coloring, sugar, and butter or with flavored gelatin and corn syrup. For a simple version, mix sugar, water, and food coloring, then pour over popcorn. For a gourmet-style treat, pop popcorn, coat with a gelatin-sugar mixture, and bake in the oven. Add peanuts or marshmallows for extra flavor.
Colored popcorn is a sweet treat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The simplest and most common method of preparation involves the use of food coloring, sugar and butter. More complex versions of colored popcorn can also be created using flavored gelatin and corn syrup.
For a quick and easy batch of colored popcorn, mix one cup (240 mL) of granulated sugar and ¾ cup (175 mL) of water in a small saucepan. Heat until mixture is bubbling and sugar has dissolved. Add 3-5 drops of food coloring of your choice and mix for a few seconds. Pour the colored sugar mixture into a bowl of microwave or air-popped popcorn and stir constantly until the kernels begin to separate.
To make colored jelly popcorn, the process is more involved, but will result in a gourmet-style treat. First, pop four cups (950 mL) of popcorn on the stovetop, in the microwave or in a popcorn machine, place in a large bowl, and set aside. Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper and preheat the oven to 150°C.
Next, combine ¼ cup (60 mL) butter or margarine and three tablespoons (45 mL) light corn syrup in a small skillet. Heat over low heat until the butter is completely melted, then add ½ cup (120 mL) of granulated sugar and a 4-serving packet of flavored gelatin. Continue stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved, then turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another five minutes.
Pour the gelatin-sugar mixture over the popcorn and stir, making sure all the kernels are well coated. Spread the colored popcorn onto the lined cookie sheet and use a fork or other utensil to distribute evenly. Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for ten minutes, then let it cool completely. Remove from pan and break into small pieces. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator if needed.
Combine peanuts or miniature marshmallows with popcorn before adding the gelatin mixture, for added flavor and texture. For a low-fat version of colored popcorn, leave out the sugar and use sugar-free gelatin. Brown sugar can also be used in place of granulated sugar if desired, or half brown sugar and half granulated sugar can be used.
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