Popcorn Pumpkins

DrGaellon's Note:

Adapted from a recipe by Aleta1314 at allrecipes.com.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 12.0 balls

• 5 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 cup chopped salted peanuts or 1 cup Rice Krispies
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows , divided
• ¼ cup butter or ¼ cup margarine
• 6 caramel candies
• 4 drops red food coloring
• 5 drops yellow food coloring
• 4 sticks licorice , cut into thirds

Directions:

1. Grease a muffin pan and set aside. Place popcorn, candy corn, peanuts (or Rice Krispies) and 1 cup mini-marshmallows into a large bowl and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in remaining 3 cups mini-marshmallows, caramel candies, red food coloring and yellow food coloring, adjusting color if needed to get a nice shade of orange. When the marshmallows are completely melted, pour over the popcorn and stir to evenly distribute the candy, nuts and marshmallow.
3. Use a greased spoon to fill the muffin cups. Insert a piece of licorice to act as the stem, and mold the popcorn around it. Let stand until firm, 10 to 15 minutes, and then pull the pumpkins out by their stems and admire your pumpkin patch!