Peanut and Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. (¼ cup) butter or margarine
10 oz. marshmallows
12 cups popped popcorn (preferably air-popped)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup lightly salted peanuts, chopped

Change the Flavor

Use the same recipe, but replace the peanuts and dried cranberries with one of the following mixtures:

½ cup dried cherries and ½ cup chopped almonds
¼ cup shredded coconut and ¼ cup banana chip pieces
½ cup dried chopped apricots and ½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup broken pretzel pieces and ½ cup raisins

Directions

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the marshmallows. Heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Toss the popcorn, peanuts and cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the top. Toss gently to combine and coat the popcorn mixture. Allow to cool just slightly.
Form mixture into balls with well-buttered hands. Place popcorn balls on sheets of wax paper and allow to set.

Makes: 8-10 popcorn balls.

Store in an air-tight container.