As summertime approaches, finding a snack which doesn't melt in the heat on the the appetizer table is made easier when considering the options available for making popcorn balls. Popcorn balls provide a possible choice of food decorations or party snacks for your next event. Learning how to make Jello popcorn balls opens doors to several snacks and treats to use for parties throughout the year. A low cost, simple to make treat, Jello flavored popcorn balls are a favorite among children and also enjoyed by adults. The Jello popcorn ball can be made with a corn syrup and sugar syrup mixture or it can be prepared with marshmallow similar to a Rice Krispy treat. No matter which method you choose, these treats can be prepared ahead of time for an enjoyable snack during any party or for treat bags send home with party guests. Using jello as a coloring for the popcorn ball allows for adapting the color to the theme of the event the popcorn balls are being used for.

Whether you choose to pop your kernels from a red popcorn, buy black popcorn and amaze the kids when it makes a snowy white puff, or just toss in a bag of microwave kernels for the quick results, making popcorn balls is a fun event which can be enjoyed by the entire family. Popcorn balls are a Christmas tradition for some families while others simply enjoy making the treat in loose form to snack on the colored Jello popcorn treat. For inexpensive gifts throughout the year, pop a batch of corn, flavor it with colored Jello and package it in a dollar store vase or mug for a favorite teacher, bus driver, or ball coach.

Continue reading for step by step instructions for making Jello popcorn balls as well as ideas on how to use them for parties and decorations.

• 1 cup of light corn syruphttp://www.grouprecipes.com/36939/easter-egg-popcorn-balls.html
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 3 oz. box of Jello powder, any flavor
• 8-10 cups popcorn
• 1 1/2 cups cocktail peanuts http://allrecipes.com/recipe/jell-o-popcorn-balls/detail.aspx

1. Bring corn syrup and sugar to a rolling boil
2. Add box of Jell-O powder to syrup
3. Mix well until Jell-O is dissolved
4. Mix peanuts with popcorn
5. Pour syrup mix over popcorn and peanuts
6. Cool slightly and grease your hands
7. Mixture will be hot. Do not start immediately; cool slightly so hands are not burned
8. Form balls the size you like
9. Wrap each one in saran wrap or cellophane wrap
10. Depending on size made, recipe averages 18 balls

Jello popcorn balls can serve as parts of decorations for a party or be individually wrapped to hand out as gifts or treats. This portable snack makes a good choice for sending to school parties or to serve at a birthday party.

Consider these flavor combinations:

1. Lime Jello flavoring for Saint Patrick’s Day Popcorn Balls
2. Cherry, Mixed Berry, and plain gelatin for red, white, and blue variations for patriotic popcorn balls
3. Strawberry Kiwi and Berry Blue flavors to make pink and blue Jello popcorn balls for baby showers
4. Lemon Jello with extra yellow food coloring for Welcome home party for Deployed soldiers
5. Orange Jello for Halloween popcorn balls
6. Lime and Cherry flavors for Christmas popcorn balls
7. Pina Colada, Margarita, and Pineapple jello flavors for Luau parties

• Suggestions for decorations:

1. For popcorn into small balls and insert pretzel sticks for popcorn ball lollipops. Wrap in birthday theme colors.
2. Decorate popcorn balls to look like soccer balls or baseballs for team party snacks.
3. Press popcorn into flat layer on cookie sheet and cut with heart shaped cutter for Valentine’s popcorn decorations
4. Wrap in colored cellophane and place in basket for Easter decorations