Make a Shredded Coconut Bird's Nest
Shredded coconut bird nests are edible treats modeled after real bird's nests and typically are used as an Easter or springtime dessert. These novelty treats are a combination of shredded coconut, uncooked chow mein noodles and melted chocolate. Once the ingredients are heated through and cooled, they slightly harden and hold a solid shape. An extra sprinkling of shredded coconut further imitates the look of a real bird nest, while jelly beans, candy-coated chocolate pieces or other round candies serve as bird eggs.
Instructions
1. Pour 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate baking pieces or chips into a large saucepan on your stove top. Set the heat to low and use a wooden spoon or plastic spatula to stir the chocolate until it completely melts.
2. Turn off the heat and pour in 1 tsp. of vegetable oil. Use your wooden spoon or plastic spatula to evenly distribute the oil throughout the chocolate until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Pour 1 1/2 cups each of uncooked chow mein noodles and shredded coconut into the chocolate. Mix the ingredients gently until the chow mein noodles and shredded coconut are fully coated with the chocolate.
4. Cover a baking sheet with a piece of wax paper. Measure out 1/2 cup of the chocolate mixture and place it onto the sheet. Repeat with the rest of the chocolate mixture. Mold each portion into a circular shape and press down into the center of each one with your fingertips to make a dent large enough to hold two to three round candies.
5. Transfer the baking sheet into your refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes so the chocolate can firm. Set your oven to 350 degrees F, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded coconut in an even layer onto a second baking sheet.
6. Bake the coconut in the oven for about two to three minutes, then stir it gently to redistribute the coconut. Add it back into the oven for another two to three minutes, then remove the baking sheet and examine the coconut-it should be lightly browned. If not, stir it again and bake for another two to three minutes.
7. Let the toasted coconut cool to room temperature, then take the shredded coconut bird's nests out of the refrigerator. Sprinkle the nests with the toasted coconut. Place two to three jelly beans, candy-coated chocolate pieces or other round candies into each nest indentation for the eggs, then serve.
Tags: baking sheet, bird nests, chow mein, chow mein noodles, mein noodles, round candies
