Edible Bird Nests

Happy first day of Spring! I got this cute recipe from a local family magazine.

Bird Nests
Can be free of dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish depending on the ingredients you use.

Makes: 8-12 nests
Prep: About 15 minutes
Setting time: 1 hour

-3 Tablespoons of margarine or butter (for those allergic, Earth Balance is a dairy free alternative)
-1 10 Ounce package marshmallows
-6 Cups cereal (crisp rice, cornflakes, etc.)
-food coloring optional
-jelly beans, peeps, or other Easter treats

1. Melt the margarine in a large sucepan over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3. Remove from heat & stir in food coloring if desired.
4. Add cereal & stir until well coated.
5. Use a baggie sprayed with oil, or waxed paper, to press mixture evenly in greased muffin tins. Press down in center to form "nests".
6. Allow to cool & fill with jelly beans, peeps or other Easter goodies.

You can serve in paper cupcake liners. If allergies are of no concern you can also play around with using chocolate chips, coconut or chocolate cereal in the mix.

I haven't tried this recipe yet so here is picture from the Kraft Foods website. Their nests are made with fruity pebbles and filled with coconut & candy.

And this image is from this blog. Aren't they cute? Her recipe uses white chocolate and shredded wheat.

There are so many ways you can play with it. Try it out. Let me know if it works out for you.