7 cups popped butter flavored microwave popcorn
2 1/4 cups apple cinnamon cereal rings
1/2 a cup of chopped dried apples or apricots
1/4 a cup of chopped nuts (optional)
1 package (14 ounces) of caramels
2 tbs. of butter or margarine
1 to 2 tbs of water
long cinnamon sticks or wood craft sticks. (optional)
*start with one tbs. of water and add more if needed for consistency. Fresher caramels will require less water
1) Combine popcorn,cereal apples,and nuts if, desired in large bowl.
2) Place caramels, butter, and water in large microwavable bowl. microwave at HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 min.or until melted or smooth,stirring after each minute.
3) Pour caramel mixture over popcorn mixture; toss with buttered wooden spoon to coat. Let set until just slightly warm.
4) Shape mixture into 8 balls with damp hands. Shape balls around cinnamon or craft sticks,if desired. Place on lightly buttered waxed paper or wrap until ready to serve.