Simple Easter Nests Recipes

EASY ITALIAN EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°. Add dry ingredients; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in fruit, almonds and aniseed until blended. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Gently separate ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, in a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with candies if desired.

SIMPLE EASTER NESTS

Steps:

• Heat water in double boiler over medium heat and add chocolate chips to top portion.
• When chocolate begins to melt, add peanut butter and continue to stir until creamy.
• Add broken chow mein noodles, stirring until completely coated.
• Remove from heat and place upper portion on a folded towel to allow cooling while you prepare tins.
• Spray muffin tins (I liked the large size best, but make both for varied sizes) with cooking spray (such as Pam).
• Spoon generous amount of mixture into each cup creating a well in the center as you go.
• Continue until all of mixture is used up.
• Place jelly beans, M&M's Peeps or other candies for garnish as desired.
• Chill in refridgerator for at least 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened.
• Remove from tins and serve or package to gift - should be used within a couple of days.
• For additional garnish, can be served on dyed green coconut and tied in cellophane bundles with ribbons to give as gifts.
• Enjoy!