Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Easter Egg Nests...and April's Give-Away

I'm packing up Easter Basket boxes today for the Grands!  My mother always made homemade treats this time of year and I carry on the tradition, coming up with a few new ones she couldn't have imagined!

However, today, I also wanted to focus on Spring and the "rebirth" of the season; not only in the beautiful flowers and trees that are popping out, but in the wildlife.  I love listening to the geese honking on our lake and the birds chirping in the woods behind us.  Then, there's the deer with her fawns frolicking through our yard.  The apron I made for this month's give-away represents all of that...Nature in full bloom.
A close up of this beautiful pattern
The treats I made are my version of macaroons--not to be confused with the French macaron, these are made with coconut with an extra crunch of crushed pretzel sticks to simulate the "twigs" in a nest.  The eggs are my favorite Cadbury eggs with a candy shell.  I think they will be a nice addition to the other treats Ari and Maddie will enjoy.
Easter Egg Nests
1 14 oz. pkg sweetened coconut
1 14oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated)
1/3 cup + 1 T All Whites (from pasteurized egg whites only)
3/4 cup crushed pretzels
1 T Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate bits 
1 pkg Cadbury Mini Eggs

Preheat oven to 325F-degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the coconut and crushed pretzels with your hands to combine.
Using a spatula, fold in the can of sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.  Beat the eggs whites on medium speed of a hand mixer to a soft peak.  Add to the mixture and fold in again.
 Use a large 1/4-cup scoop and pack down using the spatula.
Place the mounds on the baking sheet.  With the back of a spoon, press down in the center to create the nest.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake another 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
Add about 5 or 6 bittersweet pieces immediately to the warm cookies.  As they become soft and melted, place 3 mini eggs in the center of the nest.
I packaged these treats in an 4 x 6-inch self-sealed bag I bought at the packaging store then, add a sticker that I stamped a bird nest on.
I thought the cracking of the eggs from the warmth of the cookies was a nice touch--as if to show new life unfolding. 

Happy Easter and Passover to everyone.  Remember, when you comment on posts during this month, your name is place in a jar.  I will draw the winner of Spring's Rebirth Apron at the end of the month.  Enjoy!
 

13 comments:

  1. I would LOVE these! Two favorites as well...Coconut and Cadbury mini eggs! But, you already knew that. ;) I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter!!!

    P.S. I'll be making a orange and bourbon babka...In a NEW Bundt pan, my friend. :)))

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    1. Yeah! I knew you'd eventually get one--can't wait to see your recipe. Happy Easter to you too, dearest friend. XOXO

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  2. What a perfect way to make the little nest. I will pass this recipe on to my daughter. I love Cadbury too. In fact, I've had a couple of the peanut butter eggs this week. Another beautiful apron. I'll be looking for mine next week. Happy Easter to you and family!

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    1. Meggie, Is it okay to send the apron now or should I still wait a few days? Happy Easter to you and your family, my friend. XOXO

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  3. Macaroons are my favorites! I'll have to try these. So perfect for spring!
    Love your April apron too... great fabrics!
    DeniseB

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  4. Susan you are so creative--the nests for the Grands are adorable and I'm sure quite yummy!
    Have a wonderful Easter!
    Martha Ellen

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  5. This month's apron is stunning! You are so creative.
    Ari and Maddie are so cute with their hats. No doubt they will enjoy your beautiful homemade Easter treats.

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  6. I wanted to make some nest cookies like this, but never got around to it:( They look wonderful! I know your grandchildren will love them. I just shipped some goodies off today to my far-flung munchkins:)

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  7. I've never made macaroons - I think I'm afraid they won't turn out. :) I think I'll have to try these. They look fabulous! I love the apron! Just looking at it makes me smile. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. I can't believe that when everything you bake is just so perfect! I love your blog and now you're entered to maybe win that apron...Happy Easter to you<3

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  8. yummy! this is a baking treat that even I can't ruin. teeheehee you know me a stamper not a baker but I keep trying.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. Sue, you're a good baker...You just have to BELIEVE<3

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  9. Those nests are adorable! You are so creative with your baking!

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