Birds Nests Treats

If you know anything about me in the kitchen you know that I am not one to follow a recipe, I like to put my own little spin on things.  I thought it would be fun for the boys to help me out with a little side project for Easter dinner so we made edible birds nests.  I based my version of this recipe on other I had seen, but mostly on what sounded good in my head at the moment.  Needless to say, there are no exact measurements...I suggest you just get in there and play with your food.  Yes, I said it - play with your food...ignore that little voice inside your head just this once....and play with your food.  :)


The main ingredients for these delicious almost nutritious nests are as follows:
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles
Coconut (unsweetened preferably)
Either Jelly Beans, M&Ms or Malted Milk Eggs


Now let me ask you if there is some sort of shortage on malted milk eggs this year?  I went to two different stores and they were sold out.  It's Easter for Pete's sake...how can you be sold out of malted milk eggs?  Regardless, we ended up using Jelly Belly's because they were donated by grandma and you can't beat free.  :)  However, I think the colors of the malted milk eggs would have made these look more realistic.

To start, mix the Chow Mein noodles with equal parts peanut butter and nutella.  I think I used about a cup total for two packages of noodles.  This made 27 nests.  Heap a spoonful into a lined muffin tin and press it down to create a nest like physique.  Sprinkle with coconut and add jelly beans.  Place them in the refrigerator for about an hour or so and they will harden up enough to handle.  You could also substitute all peanut butter or even marshmallow creme if you didn't want peanut butter.  I just wanted mine less sweet.  They were plenty sweet the may I made them, but they are your nests so jazz them up in your own way.


Enjoy!