Popcorn Sculpture

What You Need:

• 1/4 cup margarine, plus 1 tablespoon
• 1 bag mini-marshmallows
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 3 packages gelatin (such as Jell-O, 4 serving size), different flavors and colors
• Choice of the following foods: bran sprouts, celery sticks or carrot slices
• 3 bowls
• Oven mitts
• Wax paper or serving platter
• Large wooden spoon
• Large microwave-safe bowl or saucepan

What You Do:

1. Place the margarine and the marshmallows in the microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave both ingredients on high for one to two minutes until the marshmallows are puffed.
3. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the bowl of  marshmallows from the microwave. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon.
4. Divide the popcorn into three separate bowls.
5. Pour equal amounts of the marshmallow mixture over each popcorn bowl. Careful! This part can get pretty sticky!
6. Have your child sprinkle a different color of gelatin over each bowl of popcorn and marshmallow mixture. Quickly stir with the wooden spoon until the gelatin and marshmallow mixture evenly covers the popcorn. Though it may be tempting to eat this deliciously sticky mixture, set it aside to cool for at least 15 minutes. But don't let it sit for too long, otherwise you won't be able to sculpt with it!
7. Help your child rub some margarine on her hands. Then have her take some of the popcorn mixture and mold it into an interesting form. Add different colors of the popcorn mixture to make different parts and details of the sculpture.
8. Place the sculpture on wax paper or a serving plate. Mold any of the remaining food and add it to the platter to make an interesting presentation of the sculpture just before serving.
9. Then invite the whole family to enjoy your masterpiece!