On day 589,259,758,798,592 of quarantine, it is time to break out a little holiday cheer with my vote for best Christmas movie of all time—“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (of course the 1966 version!) and let’s celebrate with Grinch’corn, a festive snack of popcorn with covered in melted candy and some M & M’s, and Grinch punch and Grinchtinis, themed drinks for kids and kids at heart who like vodka (and are over 21.)
Grinch’corn is fun to make and the best snack for the best holiday movie, ever! While I may be a die-hard purist when it comes to the movie version—“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”–, the add-ins for Grinch’corn are up for interpretation.
Start with popped corn (if you are using microwave popcorn, buy a “natural” flavor without added butter) and pour into your largest bowl. We buy the red and green holiday M & M’s and separate the green and red. Melt white candy wafers (like Wilton’s or my grocery store carried Ghiradelli!) in a microwave according to directions or melt in a double boiler, then add 3-4 drops of green food coloring until the candy is your desired shade of green. While still liquid, gradually pour over popcorn, stirring the popcorn gently. Working quickly, toss in all the green M & M’s and then we add just a few red ones to remind us of how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day. Spread candy-popcorn mix onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet to harden.

Optional add ins: marshmallow, pretzel sticks, peanuts, Teddy Grahams, whatever the Who in you wants!
Grinch punch is a yearly tradition during the holidays. I make it when we trim the tree and again when we watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Rim clear glasses with green sanding sugar; my best hint is to pour some of the soda into a shallow bowl that is wider than the glass rim and then dip the rim of the glass into the soda, shake off the excess, and then dip the rim into another shallow bowl of green sugar. Let the sugar dry, if possible. Add one scoop of green sherbet and then top with 7-UP, ginger ale, or Sprite. Add a maraschino cherry, you know, to remind us of the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes that day.
Grinch’tini for the grownups is easy-peasy. Combine 1 part whipped cream flavored vodka, 1 part Midori melon liqueur and 1/2 part Tuaca vanilla liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry for HIS HEART GROWING THREE SIZES THAT DAY!
