Bunny Bait {recipe}

 Say hello to Easter snacking at its finest!  There is something about combining sweet and salty ingredients that is just phenomenal.  This fits the bill if you are sweet/salty kind of guy/gal.  It is a fun recipe and can easily be switched up to create a fun snack for any holiday.  We'll call this one bunny bait.  



Bunny Bait

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels, or 2 bags tender white popcorn
12 oz. Plain Vanilla Candy Melts, such as Wilton (or almond bark, or white chocolate candy coating)
1 1/3 cups pretzel squares, broken into pieces
1 12 oz. bag plain Milk Chocolate M&Ms or Mini M&Ms (for Bunny Bait use pastel M&Ms)
Multicolored Sprinkles, about 1/4 - 1/3 of a 2 oz. container

Pop popcorn in a popcorn popper into a large bowl (or alternately in the microwave if using microwave bags of popcorn) according to manufactures directions.  Remove any unpopped popcorn kernels.  Toss in broken pretzel pieces and M&Ms.  

Melt Vanilla Candy Melts in a microwave safe bowl on HIGH power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.  Drizzle half of melted chips over popcorn mixture, then stir, tossing gently a few times with a rubber spatula.  Then drizzle remaining half of melted chips over popcorn, and gently stir mixture until evenly coated (don't over stir though or your sprinkles wont stick if the white chips begin to set and harden).  Pour mixture into a single layer onto wax paper.  Sprinkle entire mixture evenly with sprinkles before vanilla chips set.  Allow to cool and harden, then gently break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Try some variations....

Valentines....Cupid Crunch

Switch out the pastel M&Ms for red, white, and pink ones.  Or take out the M&Ms altogether and put in conversation hearts.  Use red and white sprinkles. Another thing that would be good is to put in some gummy cinnamon hearts AFTER the chocolate has set.

Christmas...Rudolph Crunch

Use red and green M&Ms.  Add in some broken up pieces of peppermint candycanes.  Or using some Oreos that have green or red centers would be cute, too.  Use red and green sprinkles.

St. Patty's...Leprechaun Lure

Switch out the M&Ms for green and yellow ones.  Use green and yellow sprinkles.  Breaking up a few Oreos that have green centers would be cute, too. 

4th of July...Patriotic Crunch

Use 6 oz red M&Ms and 6 oz blue M&Ms (available at craft stores)
Use multicolored red, blue and white sprinkles mix
Optional - sprinkle with red Poprocks candy once chocolate has almost set (so they don't just dissolve)

Halloween...Monster Bait

Use the brown and orange M&Ms.  Use orange centered Oreos, broken up.  Use black and orange sprinkles.

Thanksgiving...Gobble Crunch
Use 12 oz. Reese's Pieces in place of M&Ms
Use brown, yellow, orange, red sprinkles

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your families!

Britni

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