Bird Nest Snack Cups

The quintessential reason that I blog is to chronicle our journey as a family with backyard chickens. A close second is being able to inspire others. Teaching is a noble profession and one I highly revere. Each month, from November to April, I lead a program with my fellow Master Gardeners at our local library that reaches "Little Sprouts" from the ages of 2-7 years old. We read books, sing songs and complete a hands-on activity at each class that has something to do directly or indirectly with horticulture. The theme for the evening not too long ago was all about birds. We read three wonderful books: Birdsongs by Betsy Franco, Bluebird’s Nest written by Dorothea DePrisco and illustrated by Jo Parry, and Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni.
You can find so many great books about birds at the local library. Our library has a book sale twice a year and I always find a book or two for the girls about chickens, chicks, hens or roosters. If you are thinking about raising chickens with your family, consider doing a little research beforehand like we did. Read some chicken-themed books together. There is no better way to spark interest and excitement than with a great book!

Since spring has sprung here in north-central Pennsylvania (and is feeling more like summer!), I wanted to share a fun recipe that we used for the evening's snack. It was very tasty! I highly recommend substituting the Kashi brand cereal because it tastes incredible! How much fun would this be to make for a spring birthday celebration or Easter party? It's so easy that it would make a great afternoon snack for your little bird lovers. I adapted this recipe slightly from the blog The Adventures of Bear.

Recipe for the bird's nest snack:

2 cups shredded wheat biscuits (I used Kashi's Island Vanilla cereal instead)
1/4 cup coconut

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

grapes

muffin liners

Directions:
Crumble the shredded wheat biscuits into a mixing bowl. Use a spoon to stir in the coconut and brown sugar. Pour the melted butter over the shredded wheat mixture and mix together. Line muffin tin with liners. Press the shredded wheat mixture into the lined cups. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Let cool. Remove from muffin tin and fill the nests with grapes as eggs. Makes roughly six nests. Enjoy!