Hello!

I’m Melissa and I blog over at Bless this Mess. When Kristyn did a shout-out for contributors in December I saw the post, thought it would be awesome but there’s no way I’d get it, and moved on with my day. My sister actually sent me a link to the post and told me I should do it. I wrote her back asking if she really thought I could make the cut, and she replied I had as good of chance as anyone. That was just the little confidence boost that I needed and I applied that night. Can you imagine the shock I got from an email saying Lil Luna accepted me. Wow. This is such a fun (and big) opportunity and you all won’t be disappointed. I’m excited to work with Kristyn who is known for her kind helpfulness, to add to Lil Luna’s useful and beautiful posts, and to get to know you, the readers, who I hear are some of the kindest and most loyal around. Thanks for having me.

I’m all about keeping it real, which can be hard when it comes to blogging, but I think it’s important you all know why part of  why I’m here. I’m here in hopes you’ll like what I have to share and come to my blog for more. My goal this year is to grow, grow, grow. I’ve been “fancy blogging”, as I like to call it, for just over a year. I spent the last twelve months figuring out a new camera, the ins and outs of food photography and styling, and finding my voice and writing style. I feel like I still have plenty of room to improve, but I also have a good handle on what I’m doing, have a blog that looks nice, and am ready to have company over for dessert. So consider this an invitation of sorts.

Now here’s what you’ll find if you do come pay a visit: My blog is an honest picture of a happy small town life. You’ll find posts about raising backyard chickens, gardening, remodeling our house while living in the mess and lots and lots of family-friendly recipes, dessert included. Throw in the occasional kid or holiday craft and you’re set.

Now that we’ve met, on to the recipe. Popcorn. When you get to know me you’ll find I’m addicted to the stuff and I thank/blame my Indiana up bringing for my love of it. I love popcorn in all forms, sweet, salty, and every combo of the two. Orange Dreamsicle Popcorn is a beautiful merriment of white chocolate, orange, and popcorn that will remind you of summer on these cold winter days. Make it for an after school snack or for movie night, either way, your family will thank you. And did I mention it’s easy? Oh, so easy.

Orange Dreamsicle Popcorn
Makes 14 cups or 6 generous servings

Ingredients:

14 cups popped popcorn
2 cups white chocolate chips
Juice from one orange, about 1/3 cup
Zest from one orange, about 1 tsp.
1/4 tsp salt, optional

Directions:

In a large bowl add the popped popcorn and make sure to leave any tooth-breakin’ kernels out. In a glass two-cup measuring cup, or other medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, orange juice, and orange zest. Microwave on high, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth and all the way melted, about 1 minute. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat well. Dump the popcorn on a large baking sheet or a piece of waxed paper on the counter. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Let the popcorn sit until the chocolate sets, about 20 minutes. Eat as soon as the chocolate is set. This is best the first day it’s made, so I don’t recommend storing any leftovers.

Print

Orange Dreamsicle Popcorn

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Set 20 minutes

Total Time 6 minutes

Servings 14 cups

Calories 183 kcal

Author on lilluna.com

Ingredients

• 14 cups popcorn popped
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup juice from 1 orange
• 1 tsp zest from 1 orange
• 1/4 tsp salt optional

Instructions

1. In a large bowl add the popped popcorn and make sure to leave any tooth-breakin’ kernels out.
2. In a glass two-cup measuring cup, or other medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, orange juice, and orange zest. Microwave on high, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth and all the way melted, about 1 minute.
3. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat well. Dump the popcorn on a large baking sheet or a piece of waxed paper on the counter.
4. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Let the popcorn sit until the chocolate sets, about 20 minutes. Eat as soon as the chocolate is set.

Nutrition Facts

Orange Dreamsicle Popcorn

Amount Per Serving

Calories 183 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Cholesterol 5mg 2%

Sodium 65mg 3%

Potassium 121mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 24g 8%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 15g

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 0.8%

Vitamin C 4%

Calcium 5.2%

Iron 2.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes:
Pop that poppin’ corn however you see fit – air popper, stove top, it’s up to you. It’ll take about a cup of kernels to get that much popped corn.
I used Guittard White Chocolate Chips (blue bag, white writing) and they are oh so good.
If you think it needs a bit more orange flavor feel free to zest another orange right on top and mix it in.
This is the perfect things to stick in a brown paper bag with an “orange you glad…” knock-knock joke written on the outside. Who doesn’t love knock-knock jokes?!

And if Orange Dreamsicle Popcorn isn’t quite what you are looking for, you might enjoy these recipe:

1. Cheesy Chili Lime Popcorn
2. Cinnamon Popcorn with White Chocolate Drizzle
3. Gooey Marshmallow Popcorn

There you have it. A whole lot of popcorn, a new face, and an invitation to come pay me a visit (Bless this Mess). If you do stop by, be sure to say hello! I love meeting new people and I’d love to see your own blog if you have this addicting hobby too.

Keep calm and popcorn on, Melissa

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Thank Melissa! This recipe sounds heavenly!

And, for more popcorn recipes check out:

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn

White Chocolate M&M Popcorn

Homemade Kettle Corn

For all Sweet Treats by Lily go HERE.

For all Dessert recipes go HERE.

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ENJOY!!