Directions (continued)
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugars,
- water and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy
- thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). Remove from
- the heat and add food coloring. Pour over popcorn and stir to coat
- evenly. Cool for 10 minutes.
- FORMING FEET: With hands dipped in cold water, shape 2 cups of
- popcorn into a 6-inch heart about 1/2 inch thick on a covered
- corn around rounded edges of heart (see photo 1 below left).
- FORMING BODY: Firmly shape 5 cups of popcorn into a 6- x 3-inch
- cylinder. Center over feet.
- For arms, firmly cover half of each pretzel stick with 1/2 cup of
- popcorn. Insert uncovered ends of pretzel sticks into body (see
- photo 2 below).
- For dress, center the 15- x 12-inch cellophane piece over body.
- Gather at waist and tie with the 24-inch piece of red licorice (see
- photo 3 below).
- FORMING HEAD: Firmly shape 2 cups of popcorn into a 3-1/2-inch ball.
- Add a few more pieces to form a pointed chin. Attach head by
- carefully inserting skewer through top of head into body and base
- (see photo 4 above right). If there is any popcorn remaining, shape
- into 1-1/2-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
- For hair, cut black licorice into 1/8-inch strips to within 1/2 inch
- of one end. Attach to head with toothpicks.
- With a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut sugar cone 3 inches from
- pointed end. Cover
- 3-inch pointed end of cone with the cellophane square. Tie the
- 12-inch piece of red licorice around cone bottom to secure; place
- hat on head. With frosting, attach M&M’s for eyes and the remaining
- piece of candy corn for nose. Spread frosting on 1-1/2 inches of one
-
- end of pretzel rod. Attach potato sticks (see photo 5 below). Lean
- broom against witch as shown in photo at far left. Sprinkle crumbs
- on covered board for dirt. Arrange reserved popcorn balls around
- witch. Yield: Yield: 14-16 servings (1 witch and 4-6 popcorn balls).
-
Crafter Thoughts: You might also try fashioning smaller figures for individual trick-or-treat party favors. This craft can be adapted to suit other
occasions. First, dye the popcorn any color you like. Second, create whatever
shape you like—bunny,