How to Make Popcorn Balls With Kids

Making popcorn balls is a perfect kids' activity.

When it comes to cooking, children love recipes that let them get their hands messy. Popcorn balls, which have been a childhood favorite for generations, fit the bill since they require young cooks to shape the popcorn mixture into balls. And since popcorn is low in fat and high in fiber, this is one treat parents and caregivers can feel good about giving children.

Things You'll Need

• Saucepan
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp. butter or margarine
• Large mixing bowl
• 8 cups popped popcorn
• Stirring spoon
• Vegetable shortening (for greasing hands)
• Waxed paper
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Add the marshmallows to the butter and stir until melted.

3. Put popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter and marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Stir the mixture until the popcorn is completely coated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so children do not burn their hands when shaping it.

4. Coat the children's hands lightly with vegetable shortening to prevent the popcorn mixture from sticking. Have children shape the popcorn mixture into balls and place them on a sheet of waxed paper to cool completely.

5. Wrap each popcorn ball in a square of plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to sort out any unpopped or partially popped kernels before adding popcorn to the mix. Biting into an unpopped kernel in a popcorn ball can damage a tooth.

• Do not give popcorn or popcorn balls to children younger than 3 years old. It could be a choking hazard.

References

• Kids a Cookin'