Popcorn Rocks

Ruth from Makey-Cakey decided to host a birthday surprise ingredient swap to distract from her 30th birthday this year. The idea is simple - bloggers get randomly paired up and we each have to post an ingredient of a cakey nature, bake then blog about it. She will be doing a round up on her birthday which is on the 23rd July 2012. Happy Birthday Ruth!

I was paired with  Lou from Please Do Not Feed The Animals. We exchanged a few emails to discuss allergies etc and she very kindly sent me my ingredient promptly as I wanted to make it before I left for my holidays. I got a lovely parcel in the post which had this beautiful card and my surprise ingredient - popping corn.

I LOVE this card!! How cute is that? Thank you so much Lou!!! :)

My surprise ingredient - popping corn

I've never actually popped fresh corn so I was quite excited to give it a try. I looked at a few recipes and in the end decided on a popcorn mix as it was quick and simple and I had all the ingredients to hand. It turned out to be reminiscent of Christmas as it had white chocolate, cranberry, pecans and cinnamon! I don't see why I can't celebrate Christmas in July! :) Ruth I hope you'll forgive me as this is not strictly a bake but I thought it was the best way to feature my surprise ingredient.

The first kernels popping!

 I've included a little video if you want to watch the corn popping process - I felt like a little kid, I was mesmerized!!

Freshly popped corn - smells amazing!

Add in nuts and dried cranberries

And a sprinkling of cinnamon

Melt some white chocolate with a few mini marshmallows thrown in for extra "stickiness"

Leave to set in a muffin tray

'Christmassy' Popcorn Rocks!

I bought this ribbon which says "With Love" from Hobbycraft.

Happy Birthday Ruth!