Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs

1. Pop the Popcorn:

1. Pop your popcorn using your preferred method, either by stovetop or air-popping. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ensuring it’s spread out and ready to be coated.

2. Prepare the Glow Mixture:

1. Pour the tonic water into a small bowl. Set aside, as this will be used to give the popcorn the glow-in-the-dark effect.
2. Optional Glow Tip: If using highlighter ink (non-toxic and washable), you can mix a few drops of the ink with some water in a small bowl instead of using tonic water.

3. Make the Candy Coating:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and salt. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens and reaches a soft ball stage (around 235°F or 113°C on a candy thermometer).
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up a little, so be careful.

4. Combine the Glow with the Coating:

1. Slowly pour the glowing tonic water (or highlighter ink mixture) into the candy mixture while stirring gently. Be cautious as the liquid may bubble a little.
2. Stir until everything is well combined, and you’ll notice the glow effect start to activate.

5. Coat the Popcorn:

1. Quickly pour the glowing candy mixture over the popped popcorn in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that every kernel is coated with the glowing candy coating.
2. Allow the popcorn to cool for a few minutes so the coating hardens slightly.

6. Make the Candy Popcorn Bombs:

1. Once the popcorn is cool enough to handle, grab a small handful of the coated popcorn and form it into a ball. You can use your hands or a spoon to shape the popcorn into a bomb-like shape. Make sure the popcorn is tightly packed so the bomb holds together.
2. Repeat until all the popcorn has been shaped into bombs.

7. Add the Candy Coating (Optional):

1. For a decorative touch, melt candy melts according to the package instructions. Drizzle or dip each popcorn bomb in the candy melts for a colorful finish.
2. Allow the candy coating to harden before serving.

8. Display and Enjoy:

1. Once the candy coating has set, turn off the lights and place your Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombsunder a UV light to see them glow!
2. Serve at your party, movie night, or special event for a magical experience!

Tips:

• Glow Safety: If using tonic water, make sure it’s the standard version (not diet), as the tonic water contains quinine, which glows under UV light. Only use non-toxic materials for the glowing effect, especially if children will be handling them.
• Flavor Variations: You can add different colored candy melts to the popcorn bombs for more vibrant colors, or even sprinkle in some edible glitter for extra sparkle.
• Storage: Store the popcorn bombs in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should last for up to 3-4 days.

These Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Popcorn Bombs are the perfect fun treat for any event! They’re not only a visual treat with their glow but also a sweet and crunchy snack everyone will love!