Chocolate Egg Birds Nests

from the kitchen of Jen

Makes 5 large or 10 small
– 5 oz. crunchy chow mein noodles (1 small can)
– 1 c. chocolate chips (½ a bag) – 1 tsp. vegetable shortening
– Candy eggs (medium-sized speckled jelly-beans, or Cadbury Mini-Eggs in Easter pastels work nicely)
– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Melt the chocolate and shortening together in a microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until melted.
– Allow to cool slightly, but do not let it set up. Stir in the chow mein noodles until evenly coated.
– Drop the coated noodles onto the baking sheet with a large spoon. For 5 large nests, form into circle about the size of an adult palm or half that amount for 10 small.
– Use your fingers to sculpt the noodles into a round shape and to form an indentation in the middle of the nest.
– Place eggs in the nest while chocolate is still wet. Place nests in the refrigerator to harden.