Noodle Nests

These no-bake chow mein noodle nests come together on the stovetop in minutes and need just four ingredients. Melted marshmallows and butter coat crispy chow mein noodles into a sticky, moldable mixture you shape by hand into little bird nests.

The trick is buttering your hands well before forming each nest so the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers. Press a shallow well into each ball with the back of a spoon while the mixture is still warm and pliable. Once the nests firm up at room temperature, fill them with colorful jelly beans or candy eggs for a festive springtime touch.

Kids love getting their hands into this one. Let them shape the nests and pick their own candy fillings for a hands-on Easter activity that doubles as dessert.

Kitchen Tips

• Work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is ready. It stiffens as it cools, making it harder to shape.
• If the mixture gets too stiff, return it to low heat briefly to soften.
• Store finished nests in a single layer, loosely covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Swap jelly beans for mini chocolate eggs, M&Ms, or gummy bears.
• Add a few drops of green food coloring to the marshmallow mixture for a grassy look.
• Use pretzel sticks instead of chow mein noodles for a salty-sweet twist.