Nothing says it’s back-to-school time like a melted candy-coated popcorn ball that resembles a gorgeous green or red apple!
We went school shopping last week. I always dread that day. Not necessarily because it means convincing my four children that they want to go to six thousand stores, but more because it signifies that my two oldest kids will once again be leaving me.
I love having them home. Even though it means disagreements and drama at times. I love summer time and play time with my kids.
We really have had one for the books. I stopped to think the other day about all we’ve accomplished and all the memories we’ve made during these few short months, and they were almost too many to count. It really brought a smile to my face.
It’s so fulfilling sending your kids back, knowing that you’ve made the most of the break.
The principal emailed out the school supply list last week. I told my husband that I need to schedule a time for him to stay home with the littles so I can conquer those crazy aisles of the store on my own. A cart full of kids, binders, crayons, markers, notebooks, No. 2 pencils, and a frazzled mama who’s trying not to overlook a single item just don’t mix! I learned that lesson the hard way.
We’ll find out next week who the kids’ teachers are. We’re sitting on pins and needles, just hoping they’ll be well matched with each child. We know that a teacher can make all the difference between an awesome year and one where someone doesn’t want to step out the door each morning.
But, back to the positive…you know what else is awesome and also extremely darling? These apple popcorn balls! It doesn’t get much better in a child’s eyes than popcorn that’s coated in melted Laffy Taffy candies! And those mini straight pretzel stems and hand-crafted candy leaves sure go a long way to making these totally irresistible!
{APPLE POPCORN BALLS}
Makes 4
6 c. popped popcorn, plain
10 Laffy Taffy pieces, unwrapped (I used green for one batch and pink, because I couldn’t find red, with a few drops of red food coloring for the other batch)
3 tsp. water
Straight pretzels, broken in half
Green Laffy Taffy candies for the leaves
Form candy leaves by pressing a green Laffy Taffy onto a plate or cutting board until it’s flat and thinned out. Use a knife to cut the shapes of leaves. Form each leaf up with your finger a little bit so it creases in the center a little, to give it some dimension.
Place popped popcorn in a large bowl, being careful not to allow any unpopped kernels into the mix. Melt Laffy Taffy candies with water, stirring constantly, in a sauce pan over medium heat until smooth and completely melted. Working quickly, pour over popcorn and gently toss to coat completely, stirring up from the bottom where the melted mixture likes to settle.
Allow mixture to cool just until it’s bearable to touch. You don’t want it to set too much or you won’t be able to form it into balls. While it’s still nice and warm, rub butter all over your hands, grab a big handful of mixture, and pack it together to form a ball. Push a pretzel into the top for the stem. Press a candy leaf next to the pretzel stem.*If you want more coverage of the popcorn, just 1 1/2 times the recipe above.
Do you remember watching those old-time films where the kids would walk up to their teacher’s desk each morning and proudly present him or her with a shiny red apple as a gift for a job well done?
Well, let these sweet delights be the reward for making it through the first day of school! I know they’ll be a welcome sight when the backpack-clad kids come through the door!
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