Step 1

Melt butter in 4 quart casserole over low heat (do not use stainless cookware). Add marshmellows and stir with scraper until completely melted. Remove from heat, add food coloring and stir until well blended. Add cereal to marshmellow mixture and stir until well coated.

Step 2

Using large spoon scoop cereal mixture into 16 rounded portions onto parchment paper. Fold one piece of licorice rope in half. Wearing plastic gloves, form an indentation for licorice. Insert licorice ends into indentation. Lightly pack scoop into a ball around licorice, leaving a 1 1/2 inch loop at the top Thread one gummy ring over licorice loop to fit on top of the ball at base of loop. Repeat.

Step 3

Place nonpareils into tray. Roll each ornament in nonpareils to form a narrow stripe around the middle. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.