Crunchy Critters

Crispy cornflake chicks in a chocolatey cereal nest are a sure sign that spring is on the way.

• Yield Makes 7 Nests and 14 Chicks

Ingredients

• • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for bowls
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3 1/2 cups finely crushed corn flakes
  • 1/4 cup black and brown candy-coated chocolate pieces crushed
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels melted
  • 2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter
  • Candies for decorating

Directions

1. Toast coconut in 350 degree oven until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, stirring once. Butter seven 3 1/2-inch bowls; set aside. Melt butter in saucepan. Add marshmallows; stir until melted. Stir in cornflakes. Set aside 1 3/4 cups of the mixture in a medium bowl
3. Stir 1/2 cup coconut, crushed chocolate pieces, and melted chocolate into mixture in pan. Press into bowls to form nests. Refrigerate 1 hour.
5. Form chicks from reserved mixture (attach 1- and 3/4-inch cereal balls with peanut butter).Decorate with candies. Remove nests from bowls; line with coconut. Add chicks.Tiny Features: Try snipped licorice ropes for eyes, candy-coated chocolates for wings, and candy-coated sunflower seeds for beaks.