Halloween Pumpkin Popcorn Balls

Directions

1. Place 1/2 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until it's fully melted.
2. Add the orange Jello and corn syrup, stirring them into the melted butter.
3. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil (start with about 1 minute, then add more time if needed). Stir after heating.
4. Sprinkle the baking soda into the mixture and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Pour the hot mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until every piece is evenly coated. (I don't measure the popcorn exactly; I just keep adding until it looks well covered.)
6. Microwave the coated popcorn for an additional 30 seconds. For a crunchier texture, you can microwave longer.
7. Let the kids shape the popcorn into balls. (We spray plastic bags with non-stick cooking spray and use them as gloves to protect little hands.)
8. While the popcorn balls are still warm and soft, press a Tootsie Roll mini into the top as a stem, and attach a shaped green candy (like Airheads, Green Apple Tootsie Rolls, or Laffy Taffy) to form a leaf.