Jelly Bean Easter Bark Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2 minutes Makes 11 servings or 1 pound bark
It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the NestlÈ Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets. (Family Features) As much fun as it is to make fancy treats, sometimes simple really is better. This Easter I've decided to keep things sweet and simple when it comes to making desserts. These Easter Egg Treats are a fun twist on marshmallow crispy bars the kids can help shape the eggs and sprinkle them with pretty toppings. It will be a little messy, but what a fun memory to make together! Bark candies are traditional around other holidays, so why not Easter, too? They couldn't be simpler to make, and the creamy white morsels and colorful jelly beans taste - and look - great together. To get more sweet inspiration for your Easter celebrations, visit www.tollhouse.com.
Crisped Rice Easter Egg Treats Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes 24 eggs Nonstick cooking spray 6 cups (10.5-ounce package) miniature marshmallows 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 8 cups toasted rice cereal 2 cups (12-ounce package)
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2 cups (12-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening 1/2 cup Wonka SweeTarts Jelly Beans, divided LINE baking sheet with wax paper.
NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels, divided 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening NestlÈ Toll House Pink & Yellow Mixed Mini Morsel Toppers, assorted sprinkles and/or sugars SPRAY large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray. HEAT marshmallows and butter in large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until smooth. Remove from heat.
Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. DIP top of each egg into melted morsels; shake off or scrape excess against side of bowl. Place each upright in muffin pan(s). Immediately sprinkle dipped end of each egg with Toppers, sprinkles or sugars. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
MICROWAVE morsels and vegetable shortening in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in 1/4 cup SweeTarts Jelly Beans. SPREAD mixture to 1/4-inch thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup SweeTarts Jelly Beans. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
WORKING QUICKLY, stir in cereal and 2/3 cup morsels. Carefully transfer mixture into prepared mixing bowl. Cool for 5 minutes. SPRAY hands with nonstick spray. Press marshmallow mixture into a 1/3 cup measure, then form mixture into an egg shape with hands. Repeat with remaining mixture to make a total of 24 eggs. MICROWAVE remaining 1 1/4 cups morsels and vegetable shortening in medium, uncovered, microwavesafe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 45 seconds; STIR.
Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the NestlÈ Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.