sweet and salty white chocolate popcorn

When I was in high school, almost every Friday night was pizza night at our house. We all got to invite friends over, eat pizza, and then play games or watch a movie. I remember making a variation of this white chocolate popcorn mix on many a Friday night - usually to impress my older brother's friends, who were the ripe old ages of 17 and 18 and therefore soooooo handsome and mature in my 16-year-old eyes. Nothing says, "Hi, I'm the annoying younger sister!" like a bowl of sweet and salty white chocolate popcorn plopped down in the middle of a board game. ;)

Here's my autumn variation of this recipe. I'm just going to tell you right now - the salt is the key to this recipe! Don't try to leave it out. It just won't work!

INGREDIENTS:

10 cups (about one bag) popped fat-free or low-fat popcorn
1/2 cup M&Ms
1 cup mini pretzels
3/4 cup candy corn
1/2 cup peanuts (optional)
1 bag (2 cups) white chocolate chips
1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine everything except the last two ingredients in a large bowl. Stir loosely.
2. Pour the chocolate chips into a small glass bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds.
3. Pour the melted white chocolate chips over the popcorn mixture, a little at a time, sprinkling salt as you go. Stir often, until all ingredients are mixed evenly together.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Enjoy!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

Don't over melt the white chocolate chips. When there are still a few white chocolate blobs, you're done microwaving. Give it a good stir and those last chips will melt right in.

Whatever you do, don't use less than 1/2 tsp salt! I usually sprinkle and stir in 1/2 tsp, and then I taste it. If I think, "Meh. That's good I guess," I need to add more salt.

I usually use 94% fat-free microwave popcorn for this recipe. Buttered or movie-theater style popcorn won't work nearly as well.

I also love to bring this mix as a fun treat for the pumpkin patch, or in a bowl at a Halloween party. It would even be fun to put this in individual bags, tie it with festive bows, and give them out as party favors.

Ever made white chocolate popcorn before?

What variations would you add?
Happy snacking!