Recipe for Christmas Munch
Components:
- Six cups of popcorn (about two huge bags of microwave popcorn or half a cup of unpropped kernels)
- Two cups of small pretzels (rods or twists work good)
- One cup of salted peanuts (almonds, cashews, etc.)
- One cup of red and green M&Ms, or other festive candy with vibrant colors
- One cup of white chocolate chips
- Half a cup of milk chocolate chips
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For added seasonal flare, you can optionally add crushed candy canes, small marshmallows, or sprinkles.
Directions:
Get the popcorn ready:
- Pop your popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make enough popcorn in the microwave to make six cups. After popping, carefully remove any unpropped kernels from the popcorn and place it in a large mixing basin.
Combine the dry ingredients:
- In the bowl containing the popcorn, add the M&Ms, peanuts, and pretzels. To ensure even mixing, gently toss the items together.
Melt the chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in a bowl that is safe to use in the microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds at a time, stirring, until smooth and completely melted.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in the same manner in a different microwave-safe bowl.
Cover the popcorn mixture with:
- To ensure that everything is equally coated, drizzle the popcorn mixture with the melted white chocolate and stir gently.
- Similarly, drizzle the milk chocolate over the mixture and toss to mix.
Add texture and flavor (optional):
- If desired, you can top with crushed candy canes for a peppermint taste or add a couple small marshmallows for added fluff. To add a festive touch, add sprinkles.
To set, chill:
- Spread the Christmas Munch in a single layer on a large baking sheet covered with wax paper or parchment paper after everything has been coated.
- To help the chocolate set and firm up, let it cool at room temperature for approximately half an hour or place it in the refrigerator for about fifteen minutes.
Split apart:
- Break the Christmas Munch into pieces and store it in an airtight container or large dish when the chocolate has set.
Advice:
- Variety is key. For extra sweetness, you may also add chopped-up Christmas candies like toffee or caramel squares, dried cranberries, or raisins.
- Salt vs. sweet: To counterbalance the sweetness of the chocolate, feel free to change the quantity of salty foods (such peanuts and pretzels).
- Storage: Keep your Christmas Munch for a maximum of one to two weeks in an airtight container. If packaged in a pretty jar or bag, it also makes a wonderful present.
- Variation in flavor: For a seasonal twist, you can add butterscotch chips or white chocolate peppermint bark for a different taste.
The Reason It’s Ideal for Christmas:
- Fun and festive: It looks quite Christmas thanks to the red and green sprinkles and the vibrant M&Ms. It’s the ideal treat for movie evenings or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: You can use any ingredients you like and adjust the mixture to your preferences.
- Simple to prepare: You only need a few ingredients and little work to quickly prepare a batch, which is perfect for last-minute holiday baking or snacking.
Sweet, salty, and incredibly simple to prepare, this Christmas Munch is the perfect holiday snack combination! Ideal for spreading holiday cheer and sharing. Have fun!