Edible, handmade holiday decor perfect for gifting

Holiday Popcorn Snowman yield: 5 snowmen

1 package (1 pound) large marshmallows 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, plus additional 1 teaspoon vanilla 10 cups popped popcorn sprinkles (optional) licorice (optional) gum drops (optional) cinnamon candies (optional) in large saucepan, melt marshmallows and 1/4 cup butter.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. let stand 5 minutes. Pour over popcorn and stir mixture. Butter hands well and form into balls. Decorate with sprinkles, licorice, gum drops and cinnamon candies, as desired.

Chocolate Popcorn Reindeer yield: 8 reindeer

8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 21/2 cups mini marshmallows 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 16 pretzel sticks 16 eyeball candies 8 red candy-coated chocolate candies Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

in saucepan set over medium heat, heat marshmallows, chocolate, butter and salt, stirring often until smooth. toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn until well combined.

scoop 3/4 cup popcorn mixture into ball. repeat with remaining mixture to make eight balls total. Place each ball in paper muffin cup liner.

insert pretzel stick on each side of ball to resemble antlers, attach two eyeball candies for eyes and red candy for nose. let cool completely.

Tip: Eyeball candies can typically be found in baking aisles of supermarkets or bulk food stores.