This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® Pop Secret and Fox Entertainment, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PopForRio2 http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.
Have I got a treat for you today! A Movie Night Popcorn Cake made with buttery Pop Secret Popcorn, melted white chocolate and marshmallows, then loaded with peanuts, pretzels and colorful chocolate candies! Combine it with a fun-filled family movie night watching the newly-released Rio 2, and it can’t be beaten!
In our home, we have a tradition/precedence of “family home evening”, as we like to call it, where we devote one night each week (usually Monday) just for family time. All other obligations and distractions are put on hold for a few hours while we spend quality time with the ones we love talking, laughing, eating, and being entertained. 🙂 We always look forward to it.
A highly-requested family home evening activity is watching a movie. When I heard that Rio 2 would be hitting the shelves on July 15th, I made a neon mental note to run to Walmart that morning to pick up a copy and some popcorn. There’s a great coupon running right now for $1 off any Pop Secret Popcorn, while supplies last!
The kids begged us to take them to see Rio 2 while it was in theaters but because of the timing and life happening, we didn’t ever make it. So I planned to surprise them with it and a Pop (top) Secret Popcorn treat for family home evening!
I’ll tell you-it wasn’t an easy feat when the children I was hoping to surprise had to accompany me on my shopping trip. But I have my ways, and suffice it to say, they were still utterly and completely shocked that evening for the big reveal. 🙂
Later, while the kids were off playing, I threw together a phenomenal Movie Night Popcorn Cake. I wanted to incorporate not only a food that’s inseparably connected to movies (i.e. popcorn), but also the beautiful bright colors that are found in the rain forest where Rio 2 takes place.
{MOVIE NIGHT POPCORN CAKE}
Adapted heavily from Cookies & Cups
1 bag plus 2 c. Pop Secret Butter Flavor Popcorn, popped and extra kernels removed
2 c. pretzels, coarsely chopped
3/4 c. peanuts
2 Tbsp. butter
1 bag (12 oz.) white chocolate chips
1 bag (10.5 oz.) miniature marshmallows
1 c. colorful chocolate candies
Pop popcorn according to package directions, pour into a large bowl, then toss in peanuts and pretzels. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Stir in white chocolate chips and marshmallows and allow to melt, stirring vigorously and constantly until completely melted and smooth. Mixture will be very thick.
Remove from heat and immediately glob or scoop marshmallow mixture onto popcorn and lightly stir/toss with a wooden spoon to incorporate. I ended up putting butter on my hands and working it evenly into the popcorn that way. It was much more efficient. Add in M&M’s and lightly work them in. Transfer mixture to a bundt cake pan (12.5 cup capacity) that’s been lightly buttered and press around evenly. Let set completely at room temperature, then run a knife carefully around the edges to release. Turn upside down on a plate or cake stand. Cut with a serrated knife and enjoy! Store tightly covered. Best if eaten the same day.
It looks so beautiful in the pan! As you may have guessed, it was a delicious hit with the whole family! The Pop Secret “pop-and-serve” bags save so much time on this recipe (especially since I don’t have a popcorn maker), and the pre-buttered flavor wonderfully accents the chocolate mix-ins.
Then came the big surprise. I got butterflies, I was so excited! I blindfolded the kids, then walked them into the living room to the couch. I turned on Rio 2 and asked them to guess what movie they thought were about to watch. As soon as the opening song began, they immediately knew and yelled it out.
They tore off their blindfolds to make sure their ears had served them right. My daughter’s face is priceless. She was thrilled!
Then we all enjoyed some Popcorn Cake while viewing the rest of Rio 2. It is seriously the cutest movie! The kids and I all agreed that it was even better than the first, and that’s saying something, because we thought the first one rocked!
I don’t want to give the plot away, so I’ll put things very discreetly. We jumped up and danced to the upbeat music, full-on belly laughed at the plentiful humor, and were drawn into the wonderful story/theme of family love and adventure. We couldn’t get over how adorable Blu and Jewel’s kids were too!
Rio 2 has already entered the rotation of favorite movies in our home! It’s the perfect companion to a tasty Popcorn Cake!
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Do you enjoy family movie nights at your house?
(stopping by from Treasure Box Tuesday)
Thanks for sharing. Pinning it!