Easter fun

Growing up my mom always made the cutest bunny cake on Easter. I guess I am keeping that tradition going. I made this cake and then had to do the little nest cupcakes too:) I also remember sitting around my grandma's kitchen table dying eggs. It was such a fun time as she got out the same old mugs that have been stained through the years with the dye. We would write our names in crayon and then have the hard choice of what color to dye it. My grandparents were the best basket hiders in the world. It would take most of the day looking in the acre and a half of yard they owned. After my grandpa passed away I got to take on the project of putting the baskets together and hiding them. I can see why they had so much fun! There are so many hiding spots out there! I am so thankful for family traditions that have so many memories etched in my mind.

Cute chick for Easter

1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 Twinkie

Chocolate sprinkles
Orange frosting
2 candy lemon slices

To make a pair of nests, first spread 1/2 cup of shredded coconut on a cookie sheet and toast it under a broiler until golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove the coconut from the oven, stir it, then toast it for 30 seconds more. Repeat as needed until all of the coconut is evenly toasted, then let it cool.

Next, melt 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips in a double boiler according to the package directions. Remove the pan from the heat (keep the chocolate over the warm water) and stir in the coconut. For the nestlings, lay a Twinkie flat on your work surface and cut it in half. Press 2 chocolate sprinkles into each half for eyes and pipe on orange frosting beaks. Let the beaks set a bit, then stand the chicks upright on waxed paper and spoon the warm coconut mixture around them, shaping it into rings. Lastly, use frosting to stick on trimmed candy lemon slices (we used Brach's) for wings.