‘Tis the season for tradition.
Hahahaha… who am I kidding?
My tradition is to eat dessert during this season of joy. The traditional part ends there. Today I have 2 non-traditional desserts to add to my dessert tradition: Lucky Popcorn Cake and Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies.
I urge you to try something new this holiday season. Perhaps even something Strange But Good. The world won’t end, I promise.
Exhibit 1:
This cake is an epic creation. Other than it’s shape, i’s really not a cake at all. My girl Heather sent me a giant bag of Lucky Charms marshmallows. Just the marshmallows.
After I died of shock and joy, I begin thinking of the possibilities… most people would wait until St. Patrick’s Day, but couldn’t we all use a little luck on the day of the end of the world? Or, if we’re all alive tomorrow, extra luck dealing with family over the holidays?
Think of a rice crispy treat, but with popcorn rather than crispies. In this no-holds-barred dessert, I used buttered popcorn, a bag of Jet-Puffed marshmallows, the Lucky Charms marshmallows, and honey-roasted peanuts. You can modify this easily to incorporate your favorite mix-ins (chocolate chips would be awesome).
Lucky Popcorn Cake
- 2 bags buttered popcorn
- 2 C Lucky Charms marshmallows
- 1/2 C honey-roasted peanuts
- 1/2 C butter
- 1 16 oz bag of marshmallows
Grease a large bundt pan. Set aside.
Pop 2 bags of buttered microwave popcorn as directed on the package and dump into a LARGE bowl. Pick out any unpopped kernels.
Mix in Lucky Charms marshmallows and peanuts.
Melt butter over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. When melted, add in a 16 oz bag of marshmallows. Stir until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat. Let sit a minute so it’s not painfully hot when pouring over the popcorn mix.
Place popcorn mixture into bundt pan and pour marshmallow butter mix even over the top. Press the popcorn down into the pan to consolidate and make more “cake-like.”.
Cover with foil and let cake set for at least an hour to set and cool.
To serve, loosen sides of cake from bundt by carefully running a knife around edges. Flip pan over onto serving platter.
Store covered tightly for up to 1 day. Best if eaten fresh.
Exhibit 2:
Is there anything better than the combination of chocolate and something salty? The salt balances the sweetness for a little explosion of happiness in your mouth (get your mind outta the gutter!!!).
This may seem a little “out there,” but I promise you it works. Did you even dip a potato chip in chocolate or a french fry in your Frosty? It’s like that. In cookie form.
Two words of advice: Don’t skimp on the chips. Try not to eat half the batter.
Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1/2 C (4 oz) butter, softened
- 1/3 C (3 oz) brown sugar
- 1/3 C (3 oz) sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 C (6 oz) flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 C crushed potato chips
- 1 C (6 oz) mini chocolate chips
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 – 3 minutes).
Add the egg, and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated. Beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
Fold in crushed potato chips and mini chocolate chips.
Scoop cookies onto a parchment -lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 mins.
Makes 24 cookies.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Want to Join?
All you need to do to join this link up is create a concoction that is Strange But Good, post it with the Strange But Good logo, and link up to your recipe. (See below for code.) In the Strange But Good post each week, you’ll see a link to add your own recipe and picture at the bottom of the page. I’d prefer you use a new strange but good dish, but if you realllly have a good previous one you can add it.
Not a blogger? You can play too! Send me an email with a picture of your food and a brief description by noon on Thursday and I’ll include it in Friday’s post (too late this week, obv… but next week it’s on!).
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instragrams of your creations. 
***
I hope Santa likes #strangebutgood cookies…
Do you crave the salty-sweet combo?
What was your #strangebutgood this week?
81 comments
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Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
December 21, 2012 at 12:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I lie sweet and salty combos and I LOVE YOU!!! You really out did yourself with these treats girlie! And I’m SO glad the ‘mallows got put to good use!
lindsay
December 21, 2012 at 6:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i’m still waiting for both of you to open a strange but good cafe. K?
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 1:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ah, my dream job!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 1:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I still have 1/2 a bag left… I want to try to save them for St. Patrick’s Day… but they’re staring at me….
YOU rock. Best Foodie Weirdo pal ever.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
December 21, 2012 at 12:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My fiance would be ALL over this! He loves unique food combos!
TriGirl
December 21, 2012 at 1:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow! I love sweet/salty combos…the first recipe sounds like a sugar coma waiting to happen (I would totally try it!) The second one I think would be delicious!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 1:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh yeah – it is a total sugar coma. Once a year recipe, for sure.
Khushboo
December 21, 2012 at 4:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yesss my Lucky Charm guess on Instagram was semi-right! These 2 desserts are SO strange yet sound SO good! Rice Krispie treats were a childhood favorite but I’m pretty sure popcorn instead of cereal would take it to a whole new level. As for the cookies- just the mention of “sweet & salty” has me convinced- love chocolate with sea salt, salty popcorn mixed with M&Ms’, cheese with jam and I’m pretty sure I’ll love potato chips in cookie form!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Popcorn and M&Ms is the best! I love how the chocolate get a little melty from the hot popcorn but the shell is still crunchy. Mmmmm…
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
December 21, 2012 at 5:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My hubs would be in heaven with the lucky popcorn cake – he grew up loving Lucky Charms! The cookies sound amazing! Those are my PMS dream cookies!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – I’m renaming them PMS Dream Cookies.
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count
December 21, 2012 at 6:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Where on earth did Heather find Lucky Charms Marshmallows?! How funny. I am not a marshmallow fan so I’d have to find something to replace them in the recipe, but I just LOVE the idea! Have a great weekend, Laura!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have NO idea… awesome, right? You could use anything in the recipe though. I want to do it with M&Ms.
janet @ the taste space
December 21, 2012 at 6:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love your wacky creations, Laura. Here’s to more strange but good!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Janet! You linked up the perfect recipe, too.
lindsay
December 21, 2012 at 6:55 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
holy cow i must try that marshmallow cake. The world is suppose to end today and this girl needs her lucky charms in order to survive!
hehe..
love you
Alexandra
December 21, 2012 at 7:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Whoa whoa whoa!!!!! Dude that cake needs to get in my life right now. I hope you saved me a slice cuz I’m comin over!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Come on!!!
Lindsay's List
December 21, 2012 at 7:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yum to the potato chips in cookies!! i’ve always wanted to try one of those chocolate-covered potato chips at Kilwins, but never have.
Laura @ LauraLivesLife
December 21, 2012 at 7:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
A bag of just the Lucky Charms marshmallows is my dream! A dessert with them sounds divine!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And it’s gluten-free!
Kierston
December 21, 2012 at 7:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You had me a lucky charms.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
December 21, 2012 at 7:55 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha, love the potato chocolate chip cookies. I actually had an odd-but-good combo this week, but I totally forgot to link up. I know, I know – fail.
Hopefully I’ll remember next week.
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You can add it now! I’m leaving it open until Monday.
Lee
December 21, 2012 at 8:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t really like the salty/sweet combo. I know I’m in the minority with that. Somethings I can do, like the potato chip cookies sound fine, but when proteins like meat are combined with fruit or a sweet sauce, I have no interest.
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m the same way with proteins and sweet. Except for seafood. I love fruit and salmon.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
December 21, 2012 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve tried chocolate-covered potato chips before…they’re surprisingly tasty. And oh y god, that cake. That is creativity if I’ve ever seen it!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They are! My Whole Foods sells them… I had to ban myself.
Danielle
December 21, 2012 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love these different desserts! the marshmallows are hands down the best part of lucky charms! Now I want a bag of just the marshmallows
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
December 21, 2012 at 8:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was JUST talking about my stepmom’s potato chip cookies the other day! They are SO good. I tried to make them once, and they didn’t turn out quite as soft and chewy as hers, but maybe I should try again? [I'm going to go ahead and blame my oven.]
I think I would die from the butter in that Lucky Charms concoction…BUT I don’t know if you remember how badly I love me some Lucky Charms. But, holy holy holy…
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
December 21, 2012 at 8:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
(moly)
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lucky Charms are vegan. Except for the gelatin… lol!
#heartattackinabundtcostume
Heather (Where's the Beach)
December 21, 2012 at 9:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I used to like cheetos with that outer peel of the Little Debbie Swiss Rolls. Salty/sweet can’t be beat
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know that should sound gross to me… but OMG I bet that’s delicious.
Meg
December 21, 2012 at 9:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So cool! Potato chip cookies!
Loving this link up
Thank you!
Love you, twin
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love YOU! Totally making some cottage cheese quinoa soon.
Alex @ therunwithin
December 21, 2012 at 10:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HOLY CRAP Heather and I need to be friends because boy that cake hits all the right spots for me. I mean come on, that is everything I love in one.
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
December 21, 2012 at 10:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Heck yes for lucky charms marshmellows!!
Christy
December 21, 2012 at 10:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those cookies look great! My parents work at a chocolate company in Ohio that makes not only chocolate covered potato chips, but also potato chip bark-just crumbly chunks of potato chip with chocolate…SO good! I need to try these cookies!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Potato chip BARK? I love it! Do your parents get to bring samples home?
Nadiya
December 21, 2012 at 10:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! These are some really awesome ideas 0.0 I wonder if the cookies will work with non-potato chips
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They’d probably work with anything. I thought about Doritos… but that seems strange even for me.
Calee
December 21, 2012 at 11:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that Heather sent you a bag of marshmallows only. I love marshmallows.
Alysha @ Shesontherun
December 21, 2012 at 11:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I had NO IDEA you can buy just the marshmallows. Unless she picked them out. In that case you have an awesome friend!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
that WOULD be the best friend ever. But no, she bought them like that.
Ed
December 21, 2012 at 12:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
K I will be brutally honest here…and by brutally honest I mean nicely say…popcorn cake? Heavens to Betsy I have never heard of such a thing…
Heather @ Better With Veggies
December 21, 2012 at 12:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You crack me up – I love that you made a popcorn ring cake!! That is all kinds of awesome.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
December 21, 2012 at 12:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am addicted to your blog. I think it has something to do with your crazy food porn pictures and the colors you use for your fonts!!! Man, if I still ate sweets, I’d be ALL OVER THAT rainbow popcorn! OMGAAAUDD! LOL!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ah! Best compliment ever. Thank YOU!!!
I am actually looking forward to the holidays ending so I can get back to not eating sweets.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
December 21, 2012 at 1:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wowie, potato chocolate chip cookie. I could see that as being good though, it’s like a pretzel cookie – the salty and sweet combo is pretty darn good!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes! I made pretzel cookies and chocolate sea salt cookies for that very reason.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl
December 21, 2012 at 2:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I loveee sweet + salty aka both of the above! I’d love a slice of popcorn cake and a potato chip cookie! Do you ship?
I swear my hubby and I would eat both of those in entirety in one day, no worries about them going stale!
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – I’d be happy to ship you guys a care package.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl
December 22, 2012 at 4:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hehe, you’re too kind! XO
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
December 21, 2012 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sweet and salty is the best combo– I can pass on chips generally, but in a cookie? That sounds dangerous!
Have an awesome long holiday weekend, Laura!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
December 21, 2012 at 3:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Uhm. Has anyone ever told you that you’re kind of basically brilliant? Chips and chocolate combined in a ridiculously delicious looking cookie? My mind is blown…
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwww… thanks Amanda! I just follow my stomach around.
Kristina
December 21, 2012 at 3:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
that cake!! I want! you know, I am not sure I’ve ever had a Lucky Charm? *gasp* I know…
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s one of those things you only really like for the nostalgia of it. They are kind of like space food.
Jody - Fit at 55
December 21, 2012 at 5:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WOW is all I can say!!!
Honestly, neither of these tempt me only because they are not my thing BUT I know many that would love them! I love the different recipes shared her – LOVE!!!! I do think I would try them if they were in front of me but 1 bite might do it for me! 
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HALF a bite is all you need of that cake!
Amanda
December 21, 2012 at 8:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those cookies sound perfect to me! I love a sweet and salty treat!
Stacy @ Stacy Eats
December 21, 2012 at 11:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Um my fam and I all love chocolate covered potato chips so I will totally be making these cookies at Christmas. Can’t wait! And the lucky charms marshmallows remind me of breakfast as a kid. I always saved the marshmallows for the end. Had to have the best bite last.
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:36 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome! Let me know what you guys think of them.
I used to get in trouble as a kid of only eating the marshmallows out of my cereal. Heather solved that problem for me.
Joanna @ Running Places
December 22, 2012 at 12:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Potato chip chocolate chip cookies rock! Such sweet, salty chocolate heaven. Seriously, it just hardly even seems weird to me!
Jessie
December 22, 2012 at 4:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve actually heard of both these recipes, and can agree that there AMAZING!!
p.s. i just got some TVP & I was wondering what your favorite recipe or two is w/ it??
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I really love using it as oatmeal, but if you want something more savory try the chick-less nuggets. You alsu can use TVP any where you would use ground meat (like in chili). It will take on any flavor!
Allie
December 22, 2012 at 5:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Popcorn-ball-cake? You are too strange. And you know that’s a good thing in my book
I bought my dad a potato-chip-chocolate-bar for his stocking…and only SORT OF because I want to try it but didn’t want to buy a whole one for myself 
The best gift for Christmas is sharing, right?
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Where did you find that chocolate bar?! I want to do the same thing to my mom…
Allie
December 22, 2012 at 5:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Whole Foods! It was in with a local chocolate display, but I don’t think the bar itself was, might be in your area too!
Hannah
December 22, 2012 at 11:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG. Did she pick out the marshmallows for you, or is it possible to buy them?! THIS IS AMAZING I MUST FIND.
You’ve reminded me that I’ve got Chuao’s Potato Chip chocolate bar to write up at some point.
Laura
December 22, 2012 at 2:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha! No, she bought them like that. Can you imagine the patient that would take?!
I need to get my hands on that chocolate bar…
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
December 22, 2012 at 3:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
potato chip cookies sound good! Sweet and salty. I used to eat my ice cream with sour cream and onion chips. YUM!!
Laura
December 24, 2012 at 11:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Really?! I was trying to think if a flavored chip would be good. I thought maybe Doritos?
Madelyn Moon
December 23, 2012 at 2:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those chips looks amazing. Also- I nominated you for the versatile blogger award! http://moonfitness.net/2012/12/23/blog-nomination/
Sunnie@ModernGirlNutrition
December 23, 2012 at 11:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m addicted to the sweet/salty combo! I always put salt on my chocolate:)
Laura
December 24, 2012 at 11:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes! I make chocolate sea salt cookies too – best combo ever!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
December 24, 2012 at 10:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My neighbor dropped off a plate of cookies earlier this week, which I happily devoured. Turns out, they had potato chips in them! Strange, yes. Good, hell yes, so I can vouch for your cookies.
Laura
December 24, 2012 at 11:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s so awesome! Did they have chocolate too?
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
December 25, 2012 at 9:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nop no chocolate but I susect a lot of butter and powdered sugar.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
December 26, 2012 at 1:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love it when you go rouge and create crazy mixed up desserts. These look AWESOME!
Freakishly Weird. Strangely Good.
December 21, 2012 at 8:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] the mean time, check out what other weird food movement supporters have come up [...]