Popcorn Witch

Directions

1. 1
   Directions: Place popcorn in a large roasting pan and keep warm in a 200° oven.
2. 2
   In a heavy saucepan, combine sugars, water and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage).
3. 3
   Remove from the heat and add food coloring. Pour over popcorn and stir to coat evenly. Cool for 10 minutes.
4. 4
   FORMING FEET: With hands dipped in cold water, shape 2 cups of popcorn into a 6-inch heart about 1/2 inch thick on a covered
5. 5
   corn around rounded edges of heart (see photo 1 below left).
6. 6
   FORMING BODY: Firmly shape 5 cups of popcorn into a 6- x 3-inch cylinder. Center over feet.
7. 7
   For arms, firmly cover half of each pretzel stick with 1/2 cup of popcorn. Insert uncovered ends of pretzel sticks into body.
8. 8
   For dress, center the 15- x 12-inch cellophane piece over body. Gather at waist and tie with the 24-inch piece of red licorice.
9. 9
   FORMING HEAD: Firmly shape 2 cups of popcorn into a 3-1/2-inch ball. Add a few more pieces to form a pointed chin. Attach head by carefully inserting skewer through top of head into body and base. If there is any popcorn remaining, shape into 1-1/2-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
10. 10
    For hair, cut black licorice into 1/8-inch strips to within 1/2 inch of one end. Attach to head with toothpicks.
11. 11
    With a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut sugar cone 3 inches from pointed end. Cover 3-inch pointed end of cone with the cellophane square. Tie the 12-inch piece of red licorice around cone bottom to secure; place hat on head. With frosting, attach M&M's for eyes and the remaining piece of candy corn for nose.
12. 12
    Spread frosting on 1-1/2 inches of one end of pretzel rod. Attach potato sticks. Lean broom against witch as shown. Sprinkle crumbs on covered board for dirt. Arrange reserved popcorn balls around witch.