EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS FOR EASTER

EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS FOR EASTER

Makes about 9 (3-inch) nests 1 (7-ounce) jar, marshmallow creme 1/4 cup, creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons, butter - melted 1 (5-ounce) can, chow mein noodles 1 cup, pastel M&M’s (or similar candy) powdered sugar pastel Peanut M&M’s (or similar, egg-shaped candy)

In a mixing bowl, beat the marshmallow cream with the peanut butter and melted butter until mixture is smooth. Fold in (by hand) the chow mein noodles and the M&M’s. Chill the mixture until it firms and becomes easy to handle. Using about 1/3 cup of this prepared mixture for each nest, form about nine 3-inch nests, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper. Chill nests for at least 30 minutes. At serving time, dust the nests generously with powdered sugar (using a sifter or strainer for a light, powdery dusting), and place several Peanut M&M’s or other egg-like small candies in each nest.

Variations: Another way to make nests - this time, using chocolate and coconut: Gently melt one package of chocolate chips, just until the chocolate can be stirred smooth. Remove from heat. Add stringy coconut (the larger the size of the shredded pieces of coconut, the better) to the melted chocolate until the mixture is thick enough to shape. Using a small spoon, form the mixture into small nest shapes, and place on wax paper or other non-stick material. Allow to cool (will become firm). Add a few small jelly beans to fill and decorate the nest, and maybe a marshmallow chick.