Editor's Picks Family and Kids

Popping up festive holiday fun

(Family Features) During a holiday season that may not quite feel the same for many families, you can add a magic touch to at-home festivities with activities and treats that get everyone involved. Creating decorative holiday sweets allows little ones and grown-ups alike to take part in the fun, and the end result is delicious desserts for all to enjoy.

Start with a main ingredient like whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn. At 30 calories a cup, it’s naturally low in fat, non-GMO and gluten-free for a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday indulgences. It’s a clever way to create artsy representations of the season at hand that celebrate festive flavors like peppermint, coconut, chocolate and other sweet eats.

For example, Coconut Popcorn Snowballs add fun and flavor to wintertime with a coat of sweetened coconut “snow” and candy cane handle while easy-to-construct Holiday Popcorn Snowmen are sure to be a hit with your children. See fun holiday recipes below!

Coconut Popcorn Snowballs
Yield: 8 balls (4 inches)

2 cups shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
nonstick cooking spray
3 quarts popped popcorn
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon coconut or vanilla extract
8 candy canes or candy cane sticks (about 3-4 inches)

Place large sheet wax or parchment paper over work surface. Spread coconut on paper. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated. Spray hands with cooking spray and press mixture firmly to form into balls. Place balls on coconut; roll and press coconut to coat. While holding popcorn balls, gently press candy cane into each ball.
Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage.

Holiday Popcorn Snowmen
Yield: 5 snowmen

1 package (1 pound) large marshmallows
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional for greasing hands
1 teaspoon vanilla
10 cups popped popcorn
sprinkles (optional)
licorice (optional)
gum drops (optional)
cinnamon candies (optional)

In large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and stir. Butter hands well and form into balls. Decorate with sprinkles, licorice, gum drops and cinnamon candies, if desired.

Apple Cake
Servings: 8-16

3 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and diced
3 teaspoons cinnamon
6 tablespoons, plus 2 cups, sugar, divided
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
icing (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, mix apples, cinnamon and 5 tablespoons sugar until combined. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Form well in middle of mixture. Add oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix until blended.

In springform pan, pour half of batter. Add apple mixture. Pour remaining batter over apple mixture. Sprinkle remaining sugar over batter.

Bake 40-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and tester comes out clean and dry.

Drizzle with icing, if desired.

Find more recipes and sweet desserts at Culinary.net.

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