Bunny Bait

A little bunny bait just might assure that a special someone will make a stop at your house this Sunday.

This particular version is "eggs"actly right for Easter. But with a few modifications, switching up colored chocolate candies, food coloring gels and holiday sprinkles, it can be easily modified for any birthday, holiday or your favorite team's tailgate party.

It makes a bunch, so you’ll have enough for a crowd of people - whether that's treats for your Sunday School class, children's sermon or Easter baskets - plus you'll have plenty left for munching. I took it to a Missions and Ministry fundraiser at our church a couple of weeks ago and still had some left to bring home and put in the freezer for Easter munching.

If you want to package it individually, you might like to use the cute bag topper I found at Tammy Mitchell Designs blog. (See photo above.) It's free to download. She has another for bunny tails (marshmallows).

Bunny Bait
 (aka Nutella Popcorn Snack Mix)

2 bags microwave popcorn
4 cups mini pretzel twists
20 oz. package white almond bark or CandiQuick, divided
1/2 cup Nutella
1 bag Cadbury chocolate mini eggs (or Easter M&Ms, etc.)
Easter sprinkles
Gel food colorings

Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside. Pop the popcorn according to package directions. Remove from bags and put in a large bowl, taking care not to include any "old maids." Add pretzels and mix lightly.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt almond bark or candy melts, according to package directions. (I usually heat at 50 percent power, stirring after each minute, until it's smooth and melted. Put about 1 to 2 ounces of the almond bark in a separate small bowl and set aside. (You can repeat this step if you want additional colors. This time, I put a small amount into two bowls to make two colors - blue and pink.) Stir Nutella into the bigger batch of almond bark and combine until mixed well. Pour over the popcorn mixture. Toss until coated. Turn out onto wax paper-covered baking sheets. Sprinkle generously with Easter sprinkles. Don't stir after adding the sprinkles or they'll be coated with the candy coating and you won't be able to see them. Let set up in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. Break apart.

To the almond bark you've set aside, add gel or powder food coloring - NOT water based. Water based colors will ruin the almond bark. (This time, I used pink and blue, but you could do this for a tailgate party for your favorite high school or college team, too, using school colors.) Using a fork, shake the colored almond bark over the popcorn/candy mixture. Repeat with any subsequent colors. Let set. Break apart and add Cadbury eggs or M&Ms. Store in a sealed container. Can be frozen.

Note: You can use 2 cups of pretzels and 2 cups of Rice Chex or other cereal instead of all pretzels.

Need other easy Easter ideas? Try these - Chick Magnets.

If you're a mom and grandma looking for a fun project to do with your kiddos or want an easy way to add a festive touch to your Easter table, try these fun no-bake cookies, Noodle Nests.

Or try the spring-like taste of lemon in this Lemon Buddies snack mix. If you like a little chocolate with your lemon (and who doesn't?) add some mini Cadbury eggs or colorful Easter M&Ms to make it full of holiday fun and color.

***

Today I'm linked to Wichita blogger Ashley's What's In Your Kitchen Wednesday. Be sure and check out what's cooking in other food bloggers' kitchens! There's plenty there to complement your Easter meal.