Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Food

DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT POPCORN

Steps:

• Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil. Spread popcorn in a single layer.
• Put the chocolate chips in a microwave safe container and microwave for 30 seconds. Pull out and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Pull out and stir again. The chocolate should be melted at this point. If it's not, microwave for another 10 seconds. Repeat until it's soft and drizzly.
• Using a large spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn using fast motions creating thin lines of chocolate.
• While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the peppermint and sprinkles over the top.
• Allow chocolate to re-harden before moving. You can pop the trays in the freezer to speed up the process.

CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT POPCORN

Steps:

• Microwave 1 cup white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat in a separate bowl with 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening. Spread 6 cups popcorn on a baking sheet and drizzle with both chocolate mixtures. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup roughly chopped peppermint candies and a pinch of kosher salt. Let harden, about 1 hour, then break into pieces.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT POPCORN

Steps:

• Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper.
• Place the peppermint candies in a large resealable plastic bag. Crush with a rolling pin until you have a mix of smaller chunks and crumbs. Set aside.
• Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in increments of 15 to 30 seconds (this will depend on your microwave), stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
• Place the kettle corn in a large bowl. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the popcorn and fold with a spatula until evenly coated. Transfer the popcorn to the lined baking sheets in a single layer. Working quickly, sprinkle the popcorn with the crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, red and green sprinkles and red and green sanding sugar. You can you use more or less of each topping based on what you like.
• Allow the popcorn to dry to the touch, about 15 minutes, before packing in bags as gifts or storing in an airtight container.

PEPPERMINT POPCORN

Steps:

• In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and crushed candy. Pour candy coating over top; toss to coat. Pour onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with nonpareils. When hardened, break apart. Store in an airtight container.

DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 15x10x1-in. pan with parchment; set aside. , In a double boiler or metal bowl over hot water, melt baking chips until 2/3 are melted. Remove from heat; stir in peppermint oil until smooth. Spread into prepared pan. Melt dark chocolate chips in another bowl. Drizzle over top of white layer; cut through mixtures with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with peppermint candies (pan will not be full). Refrigerate until firm, 15-20 minutes. Break or cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT POPCORN BARK

Steps:

• Cover a baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
• Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
• Melt chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth OR melt according to package directions.
• Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted.
• Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat.
• Spread onto prepared pan; allow to cool completely.
• When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.
• Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.