"Have the whole family pitch in and grow a pumpkin patch of popcorn."

popcorn pumpkins

Prep Time: 20 min.
Decoration Time: 15 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes 20 pumpkins.

1. Bring the sugar, vegetable oil and corn syrup to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to cook until all of the sugar dissolves (about 3 minutes).
2. Tint the mixture with orange food coloring to the desired shade.
3. Using a wooden spoon, carefully toss the popped popcorn in a large bowl with the sugar mixture until evenly coated. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, yet is still warm to the touch, add the M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies. Blend with the popcorn well.
4. Wash and then coat your hands with the butter. Mold the mixture into 10 softball-sized balls, by firmly compressing the mixture in your hands. Repeat by washing and buttering your hands as needed. Set the popcorn balls aside on a piece of waxed paper.
5. Cut the cellophane paper into ten 20 x 20-inch squares.
6. Place one popcorn ball in the center of each square. Gather the sides of the cellophane up and around the balls. Tie each closed at the top with black ribbon.
7. Decorate the cellophane-wrapped popcorn balls to look like Jack-O-Lanterns. Cut triangles from black foam or construction paper for the eyes and noses. Cut small white foam rectangles for the teeth. Then, using non-toxic glue or double-sided tape, attach a face to the outside of each cellophane ball.