Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it in dew, cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? That's right, the ultimate candyman, Willy Wonka! This week our education director Rachael Hansil travels back to the 70s for the musical classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Tell us your favorite Wonka creation in comments below or make up one of your own to win a copy of Roald Dahl's book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Don't forget to check out the Wonka Snack recipe to go along with this week's Family Matinee recommendation!
VIEWING
Streaming on Netflix starting May 1 (available with subscription)
Available to rent on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video ($3.99)
HANDS-ON ACTIVITY: Wonka Pop
What’s a great movie without a delicious snack?! Inspired by Willy Wonka’s sweet creations, check out Rachael’s recipe for Wonka Pop for some crunchy, salty, chocolatey sweetness! Watch this week’s video for her demonstration!
INGREDIENTS:
10 cups popped popcorn
3 tbsp oil if popping your own
1 1/2 cups pretzels
1/4 to 1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp -1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup M&M's
STOVETOP POPCORN INSTRUCTIONS
Add the oil and several kernels to a large sauce pot. Place the lid on the pot and turn the heat onto medium-high. Wait for the test kernels to pop.
Once the kernels pop, remove, then add the rest of the kernels, replace the lid, and give the pot a swirl to coat the kernels in the hot oil. Wait for the kernels to begin to pop. You can swirl again to redistribute the hot oil, if needed.
Once the kernels begin to pop rapidly, crack the lid a little bit to allow excess steam to escape. Make sure it's only open a little to keep the pot hot enough to continue popping the corn.
When the popping slows to about 2 pops per second, turn off the heat. Wait a few extra seconds for the last few pops, then remove the lid and pour the popcorn into a bowl.
WONKA POP INSTRUCTIONS
Place the popcorn and pretzels on a large non-stick or parchment lined baking sheet. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cook until melted and combined. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla (and salt if you so choose).
Evenly pour the marshmallow caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzels. Gently stir until the popcorn and pretzels are well coated. It will be sticky! Sprinkle on the M&M's. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
READ THE BOOK
If you have a Shreve Memorial Library card, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is available to borrow as an eBook through the Overdrive app and site. Visit www.shreve-lib.org for more details on how to borrow from Overdrive using your library account!