How to Make Pink Popcorn

Popcorn has been a popular American snack since the 1890s. According to The Popcorn Board, over 17 billion quarts of popcorn are consumed by Americans each year. The average person eats about 54 quarts of popped popcorn. Popcorn is a versatile grain that can be combined with many of your favorite foods to create a snack for any occasion. Create pink popcorn---a popular snack typically sold at carnivals, fairs and amusement parks--by mixing popcorn and several common ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Popcorn kernels
• Canola oil
• 3-quart saucepan with lid
• Oven-safe dish
• Butter
• Miniature marshmallows
• Red powder gelatin
• Large bowl

Instructions

1. Heat 3 to 4 tbsp. of canola oil in a 3-quart saucepan on medium to high heat.

2. Add a 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer to the saucepan and cover the saucepan with a lid.

3. Allow the kernels of popcorn to cook. Occasionally shake the pan back and forth over the fire to prevent the popcorn from burning.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat when the popping slows to about five seconds between pops.

5. Remove the lid from the saucepan and pour the popcorn into an oven-safe dish.

6. Add about 3 tbsp. of butter to the empty saucepan and place the saucepan over a low heat to melt the butter.

7. Pour the melted butter over the popcorn in the dish.

8. Stir 1 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows into the popcorn.

9. Sprinkle 1 package of dry strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin over the popcorn and mix well.

10. Place the popcorn in the oven on 300 degrees for about five minutes to help dissolve the marshmallows and gelatin.

11. Pour the pink popcorn into a large bowl and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Microwave popcorn can also be used in place of homemade popcorn to create pink popcorn.

References

• The Popcorn Board: History of Popcorn
• Cooks.com: Pink Party Popcorn