Bird Nests
Ingredients:
- 1 bag peanut butter chips (10 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp. Solid shortening (Crisco)
- 1 5 oz can chow mien noodles
- 1 bag M&M peanut candy or small jelly beans
Melt entire bag of chips and 1 Tbsp. of shortening slowly in microwave or double boiler on stove top. If using microwave, heat full power at intervals of 30 seconds or less until chips melt. You want the chips and shortening to be well blended and creamy and hot. Immediately pour the can of chow mien noodles into the peanut butter mixture and toss lightly to coat noodles. Do this quickly, making sure the noodles are evenly coated. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and gently form into the shape of a nest, leaving a hollowed area in the center. You may need to reform your nests slightly as they cool. Place three M&Ms or jelly bean in the nest as the “eggs.” Each batch makes approximately 14 nests.
Variation:
I have used the standard Rice Krispies treat recipe numerous times and formed bird nests. Most kids like this snack and the ingredients are easy to find.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons margarine or butter
- 1 package regular marshmallows (10 oz.) or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using buttered hands, form into nest shape. Place M&Ms or jelly beans in center for eggs.
Snacks provided by:
Woodbury County Conservation Board
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
4500 Sioux River Road
Sioux City, Iowa 51109
www.woodburyparks.com
