Delicious and Creative Easter Foods & Beverages
1. For those who are up for some baking, these coconut cookie nests are so cute and a surefire hit if you don’t want to risk having/bringing the same dessert as someone else. They resemble little birds nests with an egg in them! Coconut Cookie Nests âÂ?¢ 2 large egg whites âÂ?¢ 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut âÂ?¢ 1/3 cup granulated sugar âÂ?¢ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour âÂ?¢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract âÂ?¢ 1/8 teaspoon salt âÂ?¢ 4 colors of food coloring (optional) âÂ?¢ 12 chocolate eggs, with filling of your choosing Preheat oven to 325Ã?° F. Lightly grease and flour baking sheet. Mix egg whites until frothy in medium bowl. Stir in coconut, sugar, flour, vanilla extract and salt until well blended. Divide coconut mixture into 4 bowls. Add 1 to 2 drops different color food coloring to each bowl; mix until colors are dispersed evenly. Drop by tablespoonfuls into 12 mounds 1 1/2 inches apart. Press centers in slightly to form nests. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until set and lightly golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes; transfer nests to wire rack to cool completely. Place 1 chocolate egg in each nest before serving.
2. And to wash down those yummy treats, you need a beverage equally satisfying! Here is a refreshing beverage perfect throughout the day, especially for Easter brunch (and refueling in between egg hunts): Lemon Refreshers â�¢ 1 �½ cups granulated sugar â�¢ 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice â�¢ 2 cups milk (grade optional) â�¢ 1 tablespoon lemon extract â�¢ �½ teaspoon grated lemon rinds â�¢ 2 liters lemon-lime carbonated beverage (7UP or Sprite works well)
3. Or, for a super-simple drink without sacrificing its savories, whip up some hot chocolate and garnish with marshmallow Peeps (available at any grocery store) for a festive flair.
4. Still want to make handmade treats but not deal with any messy ingredients? This easy, no-cooking-required idea is yummy for the tummy and is sure to draw a smile even before its consumption. Jellybean Carrots Simply fill disposable clear plastic icing bags with orange jellybeans (see www.jellybelly.com for fun flavors such as tangerine or cantaloupe) and use twist-ties to secure while sticking in some green tissue flavor to stick out the end. And voila, a candy carrot!
5. If time (or lack of culinary expertise) is an issue, you may want to opt for pre-made baskets, which are great for gift-giving or display. With so many to choose from, www.thepopcornfactory.com offers personalized treats and goodies which always make a recipient feel special, amongst an array of baskets suitable for all price ranges.
Regardless of your holiday budget in terms of time, effort, and money, there’s a unique and creative way to add your two cents to this Easter’s celebration, whether you’re a host, guest, or just want to pass out some goodies to friends, classmates, co-workers (many of which are great to send via postal mail).
