By the end of Spring Break my patience is typically wearing thin, so I was on the hunt for activities to keep my kids occupied. After I saw my friend share her adorable edible bird nest recipe on Facebook, I knew I’d hit upon a winner and had to ask her for the recipe.

She generously brought me the handwritten bird nest recipe to our daughters’ gymnastics practice that night. Can I just say how refreshing it is to receive a handwritten recipe in this day and age? I can’t remember the last one I’ve received prior to this…

Anyhow, a quick glance through the recipe showed that it’s just a simple variation on Rice Krispies Treats, using chow mein noodles instead.

The ingredients are simply mini marshmallows, butter, vanilla extract and dry chow mein noodles. You can fill the nests with any type of candy your heart desires.

My kids chose Peeps of all colors and Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Pastel Candy Eggs. I’ve never been much of a Peeps fan, but the Reese’s Pieces eggs are yummo!

The nests were super simple to make. I found that forming the balls fairly tight to start and then hollowing out the center was the easiest way to achieve a bird’s nest look. Aren’t they so cute?

While it didn’t quite keep them occupied for as long as *I* would have liked, the kids had a blast decorating their nests — and then eating them, of course!

Easy Easter Peeps Bird Nests

Yield: 10 nests

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups dry chow mein noodles
• small decorative candies (Peeps chicks, jelly beans, chocolate eggs, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the marshmallows and butter. When melted together, stir in the vanilla extract and chow mein noodles.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Let the mix cool slightly, and then coat your hands with cooking spray or a little butter.
4. Grab a small handful of the chow mein mixture and form it into a ball. Then press your thumbs into the center to hollow it out and create a nest shape.
5. Allow the nests to cool and then have fun decorating with the candy of your choice!

How are you keeping the kiddos occupied over Spring Break?