dirty pop!

I wanted to make a special goodie for my co-workers at the Health Center so I decided to make a favorite holiday treat: chocolate-covered popcorn (recipe compliments of new Texan, Miss Anna Kerr). It is so delicious and super easy, but (per usual) I have a funny story to accompany its creation.

I should have known to just stop trying to spread holiday cheer and just give them a high-five, instead, when...

so this is supposed to be a smooth, 

melted WHITE chocolate...

not a black clumpy, burned, 

chocolate volcano from satan

... the grocery store didn't have red-colored white baking chocolate
... the grocery store didn't have clear Christmas'y bags to put the treats in
... the paper lunch bags I bought to replace the plastic bags were all glued together (all 100 of them)
... the only red marker I had (to write "Happy Holidays" on the bag to make the boring brown more festive) ran out after the second festive note (with 6 more to go)
... I didn't burn the first bag of popcorn (and I always do)
... the first batch of white chocolate literally caught on fire in the microwave after only 20 seconds of cook-time!
... the second batch of white chocolate crystallized on the stovetop
... the third batch of white chocolate burned into a light-brown cookie-like substance in the microwave in a different (definitely microwave-safe) bowl

But the good news is, the little treats were (finally!) delivered on time and to some very happy clinicians/administrative assistants. All's well that ends well, I suppose...because I accidentally made one too many gift bags so Jocelyn and I got to share a little well-earned Christmas joy, too :)

finally! a finished product! there were three more 

like him...eventually...

say chocolate-covered popcorn,
katy

Recipe for Chocolate-Covered Popcorn
Ingredients:
6 oz. white/dark baking chocolate (they make red but it's harder to find, apparently)
1 bag lite popcorn (store brand is cheaper!)

Tools:
Wax paper or non-stick baking sheet
Spatula

Directions:
Make popcorn according to package directions. Place popcorn on wax paper/baking sheet in one layer, being sure to remove uncooked kernels. Heat chocolate according to package directions (but watch it like a hawk or else it might catch fire!). Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn. For a cuter corn, desegregate!...drizzle both dark and white chocolates on the same corn. Let set for at least thirty minutes (or place in refrigerator) until chocolate is hard. Remove popcorn with spatula and put in super cute baggies or Seran Wrap with ribbon and a note. Spread christmasful joy by sharing this wonderful treat!