This is an easy no cook recipe that is great to make with children of all ages. Change the decorating ingredient and you change from Squirrel Nut Nests to Jelly bean Bird’s Nest. My children have called it “Squirrel’s Nest” ever since a squirrel moved into a hole in a tree near my house, they see all the things the squirrel drags in for his nest.
Children of all ages can do all the steps in this child friendly recipe. We do suggest they wear an apron or oversized teeshirt to help keep the fluff off their clothes. Remind them to wash before and after making the nests.
Ingredients for Nests:
- About 3 cups dry Chow Mein Noodles
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 – 7 ounce jar marshmallow fluff
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- items for “eggs” – raisins, mini jelly beans, M&M\’s, shelled peanuts, chocolate or yogurt covered raisins
- Mixing bowl, spoon and wax paper
Mix the first four ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix until it is smooth. Younger children might need help getting it mixed. Chill in refrigerator about 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator and take about 1/4-1/3 cup and mold into nest shapes. It is best to do this on wax paper. Allow each nest to set about 1/2 hour. Now fill each nest with the “eggs”. Use whatever you want – nuts for a squirrel’s nest, jelly beans or M&M’s for bird’s nest and so on.
It is a nice snack and a change of pace from traditional krispies treats.
