It’s funny how there seems to be so much time before a holiday to prepare. Inevitably in my world we plod along and then the week leading up to the actual day feels to take on the quality of cartoon speed; actions in overdrive, voices playing out to sound like they are on helium in my head from the rush of it all.
The same with holiday food. I begin thinking of fun, new ideas well before the holiday but my muse seems to deliver the mother lode with little time to spare! Case in point I have two more Halloween recipes to share this week! They are both quick to make and will add a bit of surprise to your festivities.
Today I have one last sweet treat: Orange-flavored Kettle Corn and a Halloween Orange Kettle Corn Treat Mix. I’ve shared a few Kettle Corn recipes and still can’t get over how easy it is to make. Unlike purchased kettle corn the homemade version is just-right-sweet. I have memories of my first encounters with kettle corn at events leaving me over saturated with sugar by the end. It’s fairly addictive too!
Halloween Orange Kettle Corn Treat Mix and Tropical ‘Candy Corn’ Smoothies
Rather than coming up with a heavy flavoring I wanted something light and seasonal. The zest of two navel oranges leaves the kettle corn batch with a beautiful fragrant aroma and light citrus flavor. Though to sweeten it up I paired it with some favorite Halloween and fall-colored candies, all packaged in treat bags. They are great to hand out for Halloween too!
The treats you choose can be anything you love. If using chocolate be sure to allow the candy corn to fully cool before assembling the mix.
Orange-flavored Kettle Corn and Halloween Orange Kettle Corn Treat Mix
Ingredients
Ingredients for Orange-flavored Kettle Corn:
- Zest of 2 Navel Oranges
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup Sunflower Oil
- ½ cup Popping Corn
Ingredients for Halloween Orange Kettle Corn Treat Mix:
- 4 cups Orange-flavored Kettle Corn
- ¼ cup Candy Corn
- ¼ cup Mellowcreme Pumpkins
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter M&Ms (fall colors)
- ¼ cup Reese’s Pieces
- ¼ cup Hot Tamales
Instructions
Instructions for Orange-flavored Kettle Corn:
- Prepare a cooling space by laying parchment paper on a counter top to spread the kettle corn.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the orange zest, sugar, and salt. Mix well with a dining fork to fully combine.
- Preferred Method: Using a Whirly Pop Popcorn Popper, add the oil and 3-4 kernels of popping corn over medium heat.
- When test kernels have popped, add the ½ cup of popping corn to the popper. Pour the sugar-zest mixture over the kernels, close the top and begin cranking the handle immediately. Within a few minutes the kernels will begin to pop and fill the popper.
- Remove the popper from the heat, carefully pour the kettle corn from the popper onto the parchment paper. Spread to a single layer for cooling.
Instructions for Halloween Orange Kettle Corn Treat Mix:
- Mix candy in a bowl to fully combine. Layer kettle corn and candy in individual treat bags.
Aggie says
What an awesome treat for Halloween!! These are fun Toni. And I bet it tastes delicious (I love the orange flavor!!)
Toni Dash says
Thank you Aggie! I love this kettle corn with the light orange flavor. A great partner for Halloween candy too!
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
I was going to make something just like this (at my daughter’s request) for a party since we had to bring a dish. But now that the party’s cancelled, I’ll keep your recipe as a “just in case” for the future.
Toni Dash says
I’m sorry the party was cancelled but I think this is perfect for those events. Not too difficult/time consuming to make but still unexpected!
Kristen says
What a great idea for school parties!!
Toni Dash says
I felt the same way Kristen! As of this year I no longer have elementary school kids but think I manned every party for every event for both my kids. I always liked the idea of doing something different and these would be so fun. My daughter is now in high school, the time when kids can never get enough food, so I’m sure sending these on to her friends and lockermates will be as gratifying if not more so!
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
I’m the same way! I have all these great ideas of things to make and then the week of the holiday I’m running around and cooking like a crazy person…just wait until Christmas! These kettle corn treat bags are adorable and I love the orange added in!
Toni Dash says
Danae I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I’ve finally cranked out my recipes and now today, on Halloween, I need to finish off our porch decorating and get ready for throngs of Trick or Treaters. Can only imagine what having it on a Friday night will bring! Happy Halloween to you!
Christine @ A Sprinkle of This and That says
What a fun flavor!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Christine! It’s simple but delicious. Sometimes keeping it simple IS the best I think.
marla says
This treat mix is so fun!! Pinned 🙂
Toni Dash says
Thanks Marla! Happy Halloween!
Julie Wood says
The Orange Flavored Kettle Corn looks so pretty and fun to make for a Halloween treat! I would love to make it. Thanks for sharing!