Eggs-tra special Easter treats

By Jenny Harper

I love making Easter baskets really special. It's a fun tradition to put some nontraditional treats and surprises into each basket. I like to look for little gifts that say a lot about the person getting them. Sports stickers for the little athlete, movie tickets for the film buff ... what kinds of egg-stras do you like to give?

For younger kids, try sidewalk chalk, bubbles and bubble wands, and coloring books of their favorite characters.

Older kids might enjoy a new journal, CD or gift card. Who says grown-ups can't join in the Easter fun? Give your special someone a favorite DVD or a certificate for a fun night out together.

As always, I'll be including some homemade goodies in all the baskets. These darling Easter Nests are a cinch to make -- and taste great, too. And the Very Best Fudge is a delicious addition to any Easter basket. I'm glad it makes a lot, so there's plenty to go around.

For more delicious Easter basket treat recipes, hop on over to VeryBestBaking.com.



Very Best Fudge

3 cups granulated sugar

1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestl? Carnation Evaporated Milk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups miniature marshmallows

4 cups (24 ounces) or 2 packages (12 ounces each) Nestl? Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Line 13 x 9-inch or two 8-inch-square baking pan(s) with foil.

Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in 4- to 5-quart, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan(s). Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition information per serving: 170 calories; 60 calories from fat; 7g total fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 5mg cholesterol; 40mg sodium; 29g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 26g sugar; 2g protein.

Egg-Ceptional

Easter Nests

Makes 30 nests

Wax paper

1 2/3 to 2 cups (11- to 12-ounce package) Nestl? Toll House Butterscotch or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cans (5 ounces each) chow mein noodles

30 to 60 foil-covered chocolate eggs, any flavor

Line trays with wax paper.

Microwave morsels in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.

Add chow mein noodles to morsel mixture; toss until coated. Using ice cream scoop that measures about 2 rounded tablespoons, scoop and drop onto prepared trays then immediately shape into nests.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, place one or two foil-chocolate eggs in each nest. Store prepared nests in covered container for up to 1 day.

Makes 30 nests

Nutrition information per serving: 170 calories; 80 calories fro fat; 9g total fat; 5g saturated fat; 0mg cholestrol; 75 mg sodium; 19g carbohydrate; .5g fiber; 12g sugars; 24g protein.

Source -- Nestl?

Text Only