A holiday idea that Joan approves...

Want to throw a 1964 themed Christmas party like AMC's Mad Men?
Try this edible centerpiece from Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce's holiday office party as seen in Season 4. 

White Popcorn Balls
5 quarts popped corn (try unbuttered or 'light' microwave)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla


Butter sides of saucepan.  In it combine granulated sugar, water, salt, syrup, and vinegar. Cook to hard-ball stage (250F). Stir in vanilla. Pour hot mixture slowly over popped corn, butter hands lightly and shape into grapefruit sized balls.

Pink Popcorn Balls
Prepare as white but remove vanilla..Add 1/4 tsp red food coloring and 1/4 peppermint extract to cooked syrup mixture instead.

Marshmallow Sparkles
Red food coloring
Strawberry or raspberry flavored gelatin (dry powder)
Marshmallows, large and mini


Add food coloring, a few drops at a time to the gelatin, mixing well to obtain desired color. Dip a few marshmallows by hand into water. Drain excess moisture by shaking in paper towel. Roll marshmallows in gelatin and allow to dry thoroughly.  Wear latex gloves!!

Assembly
Arrange on a flat plate or tray in a pyramid shape using toothpicks to secure the levels.  You can add candy canes, ribbons, or pipe royal icing holly leaves... Then hide all imperfections with marshmallows!


Recipe courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens "Cookies and Candies", 1966.