Easy (and Impressive!) Last Minute Goodies

I found this recipe on this blog, and as soon as I read it had to give it a try.  Easy as can be, and makes a yummy and delicious treat to give away to friends and neighbors, or to have out as munchies for a party.

I personalized the recipe a bit, and it turned out great--here's my version:

Peppermint Cookies and Cream Popcorn (aka Reindeer Food)
2 bags microwave popcorn, popped
2 bags red & green M & M's - 1 mint flavored and 1 dark chocolate flavored
1 pack Oreo cookies, crushed
1 large (20 oz.) bag white chocolate chips
2 tsp. peppermint extract

1  Place popcorn in large bowl (I use a turkey roaster because its huge and works well); pour crushed Oreos over and stir together.

2  Melt 3/4 of the package of white chocolate, adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of the peppermint extract.  I used a double boiler method to melt the chocolate.

3  Pour chocolate over the mixture and stir.  Oreos will absorb some of the chocolate and won't be fully coated.

4  Melt remaining chocolate with 1/2 teaspoon of extract.  Pour over mixture and stir to coat.

5  Before chocolate is fully hardened, add M & M's and toss until they are incorporated and stuck to the mixture.

6  Pour onto wax paper, and once hardened break into pieces.  Enjoy!

Maybe you can tell by the mess in  my kitchen and the amount of light in the photos that I was frantically doing this late at night, the day before I needed giveaway treats for friends.  I'm happy to say that this recipe came together in a half hour, tastes great and made a ton!  I'm definitely putting this in my "must use" recipe pile for future years.

After it was all hardened I poured the mix into these cute little take out boxes.  Done and done. :)  Easy enough to make another batch if I should need some for later in the holiday season.

Hope you have a very Happy New Year's this weekend, and cheers to 2012!