Best Bites: Edible Bird Nests
By Donna Erickson
Edible Bird Nests Imitate Nature
Make simple no-bake bird's nest treats with your kids to celebrate spring! Drop jelly beans or natural-looking candy eggs in each one and tuck them in Easter baskets, or set them at each table setting for Easter Sunday dinner. Either way, these nests that imitate nature are adorable to look at, and since they taste so good with the chocolate-peanut-butter combo, they'll be an Easter "tweet" for all!
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
BIRD'S NEST TREATS
Makes about 18 small nests
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (I used Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter)
1 tablespoon butter
2 1/2 cups plain crushed natural shredded wheat cereal (young kids like the job of crushing it in their hands)
1/2 cup chopped nuts such as almonds and pecans (optional)
Jelly beans, peanut M&M's, or candy that resembles speckled bird eggs
Here's the fun: Stir together the crushed shredded wheat and chopped nuts in a large mixing bowl. An adult should melt the chips, peanut butter and butter in a double boiler or heavy saucepan to a smooth consistency, stirring frequently.
Pour the mixture over the shredded wheat cereal mixture and stir lightly until well-coated. Drop 2 tablespoons of the "nest" ingredients in muffin-pan cups that are lined with aluminum foil. Let your child shape the mini nests by making an indentation using their clean fingers or the back of a spoon. Chill to set.
Carefully peel off the foil and arrange molded nests on plates, or set in baskets. Set jelly beans and speckled egg candies in the nests. Keep extra nests refrigerated until ready to serve.
Suit your tastes: Instead of candies, fill the nests with "fruity" bird eggs. Try red or green grapes, blueberries, or melon balls.
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2026 Donna Erickson
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