Chick Magnets

It's not just guys who like cute chicks. If you're a mom and grandma looking for a fun project to do with your kiddos or want an easy way to add a festive touch to your Easter table, try these fun no-bake cookies.

I found the recipe for the bird nests in the current April/May edition of Taste of Home magazine, but I've made a variation of them for years. Usually, I've just decorated the nests with colored candy eggs. But I did like the addition of the Peep chicks.

I used yellow Peeps. I guess I'm a traditionalist. But you could add even more color by using the vibrant pink or purple Peeps.

With these festive treats, it's really OK for the kids to play with their food. Really.

Bird's Nests

2 pkg. white baking chips (10 oz. each)
10 oz. pkg. pretzel sticks
Peeps
Candy eggs

Melt white chocolate chips. (I use the microwave on 70 percent power, stirring every minute so that it doesn't burn.) Reserve 1/2 cup of melted chocolate. Stir in pretzel sticks until well coated. Scoop 25 nests onto waxed paper. Use two forks to arrange coated pretzels into a 3-inch circle.

Dip a Peep into melted reserved melted chocolate and place onto each nest. Use melted chocolate to attach candy eggs. Makes 25.

Note: I used almond bark because it's less expensive.

Noodle Nests

1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 1/2 cups chow mein noodles
Candy eggs

Melt chips in the microwave, taking care not to burn. Stir in chow mein noodles. Using a spoon, make small mounds and drop onto waxed paper to form a nest. While the chocolate is still "wet," attach small egg-shaped candies. Makes 2-3 dozen, depending how big you make each nest.

Need another festive idea for Easter? Use Easter M & Ms with this recipe.

Happy Easter!