10 cups popped popcorn, about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 bag, 10 ounces, marshmallows made with plant or fish based gelatin
1 teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract
1/2 cup red and green candy coated chocolate pieces
1/4 cup festive holiday sprinkles
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
Start by popping your popcorn kernels using an air popper or a stovetop method. Once popped, place the popcorn in a very large mixing bowl. It is important to sift through the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels so that no one gets a surprise crunch later on.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Once the butter is liquid, add the marshmallows and stir constantly. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent the sugar from scorching.
Stir the alcohol free vanilla extract and the salt into the melted marshmallow mixture. Pour the warm mixture over the popcorn in the large bowl. Using a greased spatula, gently fold the popcorn until every piece is evenly coated with the sticky marshmallow sauce.
While the mixture is still slightly warm and sticky, fold in the red and green candy coated chocolates and the festive sprinkles. Adding them at this stage ensures they stick to the popcorn balls without melting too much from the heat of the marshmallow.
Lightly grease your hands with a little bit of butter or oil. Scoop up about a cup of the popcorn mixture and gently press it between your hands to form a ball about the size of a baseball. Do not pack them too tightly, or they will become hard. Place the finished balls on a piece of parchment paper to cool and set completely.
