Edible Birds' Nests

Salty and sweet is one of my favorite flavor combinations and this cute little Easter/Spring treat was as tasty as it was cute!  My kids had a great time creating (and eating) their own little edible nests and I liked that they were easy enough that even a preschooler can make their own independently (other than melting the butterscotch chips).  Once they're set, they're pretty sturdy too, so they would be great for bringing treats into a classroom (to go with a bird unit or a lesson about seasons).  As you can see from the recipe, these are super flexible to make according to your own tastes.  Happy Spring!

If you want to check out a super cute chocolate version go check out Mandy's at Learn, Laugh, Cook ( a great place for recipes with a healthy twist)! 

Click here for printable recipe. 

The ingredients:

1 bag stick pretzels  (or chow mein noodles or Corn Chex {for gluten free treats})
1 bag (12-ounces) butterscotch chips (or chocolate chips)
Wax paper
1 bag small robin eggs (or jelly beans)
Peeps (optional) 

Directions for a fun kid activity:  Give each child a small bowl and about 2/3 cup unbroken pretzels.  Have them break pretzels into pieces about 1-inch in length (no need to be exact).   Set aside. 

In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave the butterscotch chips on high for 2 minutes, stopping the microwave every 30 seconds to give them a quick stir, until they are melted and smooth.  

Immediately add a couple of spoonfuls of melted butterscotch chips to each batch of pretzels.

  Stir pretzels and melted chips together, adding more pretzels or melted chips if necessary. 

Immediately have each child pour out their pretzel/melted chip concoction onto wax paper and have them form it into a nest shape, by making them heaped slightly with a rounded shape and a little depression in the middle where their eggs will go. 

Working quickly before the melted butterscotch chips have set, add the robin eggs (or jelly beans). 

I personally thought they looked perfectly cute with just the eggs, but my kids really wanted to add the Peeps on top. 

If using the Peeps, dip the bottom into the melted chips and place over eggs.

  Allow to set for 15-20 minutes or until hardened. 

Pick up and enjoy!