Popcorn: An Oscar-worthy Snack

(Family Features) - Whether you are hosting a dazzling Hollywood-style gala or a small gathering with close friends and family for the 79th Annual Academy Awards show on Sunday, Feb. 25, one movie-favorite food — popcorn — is a must-have, Oscar-night treat. Most wouldn't view a movie without those large fluffy kernels, and the Oscars should be no different.

Red Carpet Party Pops — a festive and fun popcorn treat — is a clear winner for any celebration. The party pops are made with JOLLY TIME Blast O Butter — the only popcorn to be called "Ultimate Theatre Style Butter Microwave Pop Corn" and a top choice for movie night. Add some luscious, creamy melted caramel to lend the "stick" needed to shape these chocolate truffle-style treats. Top them off with a drizzle of sweet chocolate and pretzel "handle," and these party pops bring pizzazz to any party.

These yummy pops are a new twist on an old favorite and will make Oscar night, or any movie night with your family, a sweet treat.

Red Carpet Party Pops
Makes: about 6 dozen

1 3.5-ounce bag JOLLY TIME® Blast O Butter Microwave Pop Corn, popped
2 cups thin pretzel sticks broken into 1/2-inch pieces*
1 14-ounce package caramels, about 48, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water
Butter or margarine
About 72 whole thin pretzel sticks
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Line 3 large cookie sheets with waxed paper; set aside. Spray inside of large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
Pop popcorn according to package directions. Open bag carefully and pour popcorn into large bowl; discard any unpopped kernels. Add broken pretzels to bowl; stir well.
In large microwave-safe bowl, microwave caramels and water, uncovered, on high 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every minute. Pour over popcorn and pretzels; stir until evenly coated. Let stand 5 minutes.
With buttered hands, shape popcorn mixture into 1-1/4-inch diameter balls; form each around a whole pretzel stick leaving bottom half of stick extending beyond popcorn ball to form "handles." Place on cookie sheets. Let popcorn balls stand until firm, about 15 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips according to package directions. Let cool 2 minutes; pour into a sandwich-size resealable plastic food storage bag. Squeeze out air; seal. Cut off small corner of bag. Holding by pretzel stick "handles," squeeze chocolate decoratively over popcorn balls. Return to cookie sheet. Let stand until chocolate is set, 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Store in tightly covered container.
*Break pretzels into 1/2-inch pieces before measuring.

Nutrients per serving: (1 pop): 70 calories, 2g total fat, less than 1mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 12g total carbohydrates, 1g dietary fiber, 1g protein