White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn is a three ingredient, no-bake holiday treat. It's quick and easy to make, plus it makes a nice edible gift. Add a handwritten gift tag and give generously to teachers, friends and neighbours.
If popcorn got you thinking about gifts for gluten free cooks, I've got more ideas in these two posts; Best Kitchen Gadgets and Gifts for a Gluten Free Kitchen.
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Ingredients
Although this sounds like a naturally gluten free recipe not all candy canes are gluten free. When you find gluten free candy canes, stock up.
- Plain popped popcorn - This is the healthy choice and gluten free cooks are always leaning into real food. Microwave popcorn is full of chemicals and when you're ready to make the switch, quit buying it.
- White chocolate baking squares - Melts smooth Chocolate chips are meant to stay whole. These areWhen melted are m
- Gluten free candy canes - Several groups publish lists of safe gluten free candy for different holidays. Celiac Canada posts a list of candy for Valentine's, Easter and Halloween. Local Facebook groups are a great place to ask where you can buy gluten free candy canes in your area.
Substitutions & Variations
Candy canes - Substitute hard peppermint candies for the candy canes but don't change the name. Christmas treats with the words candy canes in the name always taste better.
White chocolate baking squares - Substitute white chocolate chips for the baking squares.
Keep your eyes open for all the popcorn treats. From caramel to chocolate, gluten free cooks learn to read the variations in store or online, then go and create a healthier and safe, version at home.
Tips for Fun in the Kitchen
Gluten free kids need to learn to have fun in the kitchen. Teach them (and tell yourself) that the prep is part of the fun.
Unwrapping candy canes, smashing them, popping the popcorn and melting the chocolate can be fun. Put on some music, start a conversation, and unwrap those candy canes.
Smashing candy canes is especially fun for young kids! Durable freezer bags are thicker than regular sandwich bags so work well for this job. Place it on a cutting board, cover it with a towel and smash away using the smooth side of a kitchen mallet or a hammer. Be sure to stop before it's all dust.
Candy cane dust can also be sprinkled on whipped cream or used to make a sweet rim on a fancy holiday drink.
How To Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
Melting chocolate in the microwave is quick and easy. Burning it is also easy so follow these steps to avoid that mistake.
- Place the chocolate in a bowl just large enough to hold the chocolate.
- Microwave the chocolate on high for one minute. Stir well watching closely to see if the last bits melt.
- If not completely melted microwave for 30 seconds and stir again.
- Repeat in 30 second increments, stirring well each time until the chocolate is smooth.
Get (or Give) The Tools
Kitchens need tools and cooks accept gifts year round. When you're new to gluten free it's an opportunity to ask for what you want (or buy it yourself).
- Hot Air Popcorn Maker to make all the popcorn recipes you want.
- Old-fashioned hot air popcorn maker.
- Silicone Popcorn Popper for the microwave that's collapsable!
- Vintage Table Top Kettle Popcorn Maker.
- A kitchen mallet to crush candy canes.
- A mold for making Chocolate Bombs because you're crushing candy canes already, you probably have marshmallows and wouldn't making bombs be fun!
Top Tip: Popcorn Themed Gift
If there's a popcorn lover on your list give them a themed gift. A bag of this White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn, the recipe, a bag of popcorn, a box of gluten free candy canes and a hot air popper. It's that easy to switch from microwave popcorn.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popped popcorn
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or squares (340g)
- ½ cup crushed gluten free candy canes
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Put popcorn in a large bowl or deep pan with sides.
- Put chocolate in a bowl just large enough to hold it. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Microwave another 30 seconds, stirring well until smooth.
- Pour chocolate evenly over popcorn. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and gently mix to combine.
- Turn out onto prepared baking sheets and allow to harden, about 30 minutes.
- Break cooled popcorn into chunks and serve in a large glass bowl decorated with additional candy canes or wrap in clear bags and give generously. Friends and teachers love to receive this in clear bags, tied with ribbon and a handwritten gift tag.
Notes
Nutrition
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New here? I'll help to get you from overwhelmed and frustrated to confident and cooking gluten free food everyone wants to eat, as quickly as possible. Start with these 29 Tips for cooking with GF flour.
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Cinde
I've made this for teachers many times and it is always a hit!