Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, clarifying the process for each nest variety:
General Steps (for all nest varieties):
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Line a 6-cup muffin pan with plastic wrap. This will make it easy to remove the finished nests.
- Melt Chips: Melt 1 cup of your chosen baking chips (butterscotch, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate) in the microwave. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Combine Stir in dry ingredients.
- Shape Nests: Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin cups. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each nest, creating a small well for the fillings.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the nests until set, about 10 minutes.
- Fill: Remove the nests from the muffin pan (lifting them out using the plastic wrap). Fill the nests with your chosen treats (jelly beans, chocolates, etc.).
Specific Ingredient Combinations:
- Butterscotch Nests: Melt 1 cup butterscotch chips. Stir in 3/4 cup crushed shredded wheat cereal and 3/4 cup sliced almonds.
- Pretzel Nests: Melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or milk/semi-sweet). Stir in 2 1/2 cups mini pretzel sticks, broken in half.
- Cereal Nests: Melt 1 cup white or milk chocolate chips. Stir in 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal.
- Coconut Nests: Melt 1 cup white chocolate chips. Stir in 1 1/2 cups toasted coconut flakes.
These steps are not hard.