Alien Popcorn Heads Recipe

Alien Popcorn Heads Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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These aliens will be a hit at your next Halloween bash or for a kid's birthday theme party. They're a spooky and delicious treat.--Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Alien Popcorn Heads Recipe

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 15 min.

Yield: 12 Servings

30 15 45

Ingredients

6 black licorice twists
4 quarts popped popcorn
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 drops green food coloring
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1 drop green food coloring

Directions

Cut licorice into shapes to resemble the eyes, nostrils and mouths for 12 alien heads; set aside. Place popcorn in a large greased bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the water, baking soda, vanilla and green food coloring; set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and butter; cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Add sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage), about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Stir in reserved vanilla mixture (mixture will foam). Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Cool for about 5 minutes, stirring several times. When cool enough to handle, firmly shape with buttered hands into 4-in. long teardrop shapes; place on waxed paper.
For icing, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, corn syrup and food coloring until smooth. Place icing in a resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe icing onto popcorn heads to attach alien eyes, nostrils and mouth. Let stand until dry; wrap in plastic wrap. Yield: 1 dozen.

Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 each) equals 371 calories, 8 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 315 mg sodium, 77 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Originally published as Alien Popcorn Heads in Taste of Home Halloween Food & Fun Annual 2006, p92