I knew I wanted the favors to be something edible. Since there was going to be candy galore and a popcorn machine, I really wasn't sure what could be edible, within the theme and special enough for a favor. I finally decided on making gourmet popcorn and putting it individual bags.
It's amazing how many different flavors of gourmet popcorn there are! I settled on two: Cinnamon Bun and S'mores. I found the perfect recipe on Our Best Bites and went from there. I adjusted it to my liking and here's what I came up with (mind you, this is what *I* did):
Cinnamon Bun Popcorn:
12 cups popped popcorn (something flavorless or low in flavors)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup Karo syrup
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup of white, vanilla flavored candy melts
Preheat over to 250 degrees
Pop popcorn. I had a popcorn machine so I was able to have flavorless popcorn.
Place popcorn in an extra large bowl. Divide in two big bowls if necessary. Set aside.
Thoroughly combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a large Pyrex type bowl (I discovered a bowl with a handle would've been A LOT in the pouring part).
Slice butter on top of sugar mixture then pour syrup on top of that.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Carefully take it out and give it a good stir.
Put it back in the microwave for 2 more minutes. Use oven mitts to take it out and give it another good stir.
Put it back in the microwave for another (1) minute, and again, use oven mitts to remove this VERY hot bubbly bowl. By now, the sugar mixture should be hot and bubbly. (Adjust the time if you need to for your microwave. The original recipe called for an entire 2 minutes on the last round but I only did one minute so it wouldn't overcook and get hard faster)
Add the baking soda and vanilla. This is the cool part...the vanilla makes it bubble and the baking soda makes it foam.
Don't stare too long because you don't want it to cool down and get hard. Start mixing it right away until well combined.
Pour over the popcorn in the bowl(s) and mix very well. Make sure you get the popcorn way at the bottom of the bowl. Carefully spread popcorn on a foil lined cookie sheet(s). Sprinkle extra cinnamon on the top just for a little added flavor.
Put in the oven for 20 minutes but stir once after 10 minutes. Try a piece and if it's still really soggy, put it in the oven for 5 minutes; if it's just slightly soggy, take it out and it'll harden as it cools. Don't keep it in the oven for too long or it will burn. Once it's ready, spread it out on a parchment lined table, melt the candy melts, and drizzle over the popcorn. I used a pipping bag, but a ziplock bag with the corner cut works just as well.
S'mores Popcorn:
12 cups popped popcorn (something flavorless or low in flavors)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup Karo syrup
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup white, vanilla flavored candy melts
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows (I used Kraft Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits...they're like the little marshmallows you find in the hot chocolate mixes)
Golden Graham cereal
Follow the same instructions up there except you're going to omit the cinnamon.
Once you've spread the popcorn on the parchment, spread the cereal. I didn't specify a quantity in the ingredient list because it's up to the maker how much or little they want to use. I used about half a box.
Melt and drizzle the white candy melts all over the mix. While still wet, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the mix.
Melt regular sized chocolate chips and drizzle over mix. While still wet, sprinkle mini marshmallows over mix.
Put the trays in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help the chocolate set.
Enjoy!!
For the favors, I printed tags and stuck them on baggies.
