Bring a pop of color and flavor to your Valentine’s Day celebration with this Cupid Popcorn Party Mix. Combining sweet and tangy tastes with delightful textures, this popcorn mix is the perfect way to spice up any festive gathering. Not only is it visually appealing, but its blend of flavors will surely win the hearts of your guests.
Ingredients
For the Flavored Popcorn:
- 6 cups popcorn (2 cups per flavor)
- 6 cups granulated sugar (2 cups per flavor)
- 1.5 cups water (1/2 cup per flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (1 tbsp per flavor)
- 1 packet Cherry Kool-Aid
- 1 packet Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid
- 1 packet hot cocoa mix
- 3/4 tsp salt (1/4 tsp per flavor)
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup kettle corn
- 1 cup red chocolate melting wafers
- 1/4 cup red M&Ms
- 1/4 cup pink M&Ms
- 1/4 cup white M&Ms (Cocoa)
- 1/4 cup Valentine’s Day candy corn
- 1/4 cup pink and white cake pearls (Wilton)
Directions
- Prepare Flavored Popcorn:
- Place 2 cups of popcorn in a large bowl.
- In a medium pot, combine 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp butter, one packet of Kool-Aid, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and stir thoroughly to coat. Spread the coated popcorn on wax paper and allow to dry for 1-2 hours. Ensure the popcorn is completely dry to maintain its crunch.
- Repeat for Each Flavor:
- Repeat the above steps with the remaining flavors using Pink Lemonade and Hot Cocoa mixes to create a variety of colored and flavored popcorn.
- Combine Popcorn and Mix-Ins:
- Once all the popcorn flavors are prepared and fully dried, combine them in a large bowl with kettle corn, chocolate wafers, M&Ms, candy corn, and cake pearls. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors and colors.
Tips for the Perfect Party Mix
- Drying Time: Make sure each batch of flavored popcorn is completely dry before combining them with other ingredients. This prevents the popcorn from becoming soggy.
- Customization: Feel free to add different flavored Kool-Aids or substitute candy types based on your personal preference or theme of the celebration.
- Presentation: Serve this vibrant popcorn mix in a colorful bowl, or package it in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for an adorable gift or party favor.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving. Note that the calorie count can vary based on the portion size and specific ingredients used.
This Cupid Popcorn Party Mix is not just a treat; it’s a festive experience. With its burst of colors and blend of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s sure to capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day and enhance any celebration. Enjoy preparing this easy, fun treat, and delight in the joy it brings to your guests!