In the kitchen we use the produce from trees in lots of ways. Fruit trees give us wonderful ingredients like apples, cherries, apricots, peaches and pears for fruit salads, pies, cakes and bars. Nut trees provide us with almonds, pecans and walnuts. Maple trees are the source for delicious maple syrup. And, although the 'acorn' squash doesn't come from oak trees, it would still fit into today's theme! (wink)
This time of year the birds are building nests in the trees and singing their springtime songs. Easter is just past, and there are probably a few extra jelly beans around. Let's make 'Bird Nests' to celebrate Arbor Day. I'm not sure if these fit into the 'cookie' or 'candy' category, but they're so easy to make!
Bird Nests
1 (12 oz) package of peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips, white or chocolate chips.
(The type of chips you use will determine the color and flavor of your nests.)
1 (5 oz) package of chow mein noodles
1 small bag jelly beans - mini's are fine
(A couple of tips before you begin:
1. Taste a couple of chips to make sure they are fresh. If the taste seems off, use a different package. Old chips do go stale and get nasty.
2. Make sure you melt chips slowly and stir frequently. If not, it will cause the chips to 'seize up' and turn grainy instead of melted and smooth. You just have to throw it out and start over if that happens.)
Melt the chips in a microwavable bowl in the microwave oven on medium heat (50%), stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. I used a 1.5 liter corning ware casserole which has good surface area for melting and high enough sides to add more ingredients and stir without any problem.
Add the chow mein noodles to the melted chips and mix to coat.
Drop large spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Shape into a nest. OR Spoon into mini muffin tins.
Place some jelly beans in the center of each nest.
Chill in the refrigerator to set. Makes about 15 nests or nearly 24 if you use mini muffin tins.
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