Halloween Pistachio Popcorn Balls

Trick or treat yourself to these ghoulishly good Monster Eye Pistachio Popcorn Balls! They're sweet, salty, and totally kid-friendly for Halloween fun.

Yields: 12-15 popcorn balls |  Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 5-7 minutes 

What You'll Need

• 8 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
• ½ cup shelled California pistachios, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (optional)
• Candy eyeballs or other candy you add food coloring (various sizes)
• Red gel icing or melted chocolate (for "bloodshot" effect)
  

Putting It Together

1. Place popped popcorn and chopped pistachios in a very large bowl.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring (if desired) to make the mixture look "monster-like."
4. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and pistachios. Stir quickly with a greased spatula until everything is evenly coated.
5. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Form the warm mixture into individual balls, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Work quickly as it cools and stiffens.
6. While the popcorn balls are still warm and sticky, press 1-3 candy eyeballs onto each one.
7. Once cooled, use red gel icing or melted chocolate to draw small "bloodshot" lines around the candy eyeballs for a creepier effect.