Bird's Nest Cupcakes!

My favorite types of edible decorations to make consist of organic and natural-looking aesthetics.  For Easter of last year, I wanted to create something that reflected the beauty of spring in a small, delicate way.  What better way than with a bird's nest atop each cupcake?

I used Martha Stewart's basic recipe of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) bird's nest and applied them to my own delectable treats.  Don't be afraid if you can't find kataifi in your grocer's local freezer, it can easily be ordered from Amazon.com, which is exactly what I did.  The texture of kataifi is about like the texture of shredded wheat, and doesn't need to be handled as gently as regular phyllo dough.  Actually, the messier the better so that it closely mimics an actual bird's nest.

If you decide not to make 24 bird's nests, like I did, you can easily just place the shredded phyllo in a freezer safe bag and store for up to a year.

Each bird's nest is as simple as tossing the kataifi with butter & cinnamon sugar and forming into muffin tins.  Let them cool, and voila.  And of course, if you prefer mini cupcakes, just use the mini cupcakes tins and apply the same steps to the mini nests.  How cute~

Arrange cupcakes on a Spring-themed platter with green, shredded paper to mimic grass.  If you want to be even more creative, arrange on a cupcake stand to resemble nests in a tree.

Cakes by Lauren

Bird Nests recipe courtesy of marthastewart.com

Ingredients 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

8 ounces (1/2 package) kataifi, thawed 
4 teaspoons sugar 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, (optional) 
 Jelly beans, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush a 12-cup muffin tin with butter. Pull phyllo into 1-inch-thick bundles; cut bundles into 2-inch lengths. Place in a bowl; separate into a loose pile with fingers. Toss with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, if using.
2. Divide among 12 muffin cups; press into bottom and up sides. Cook until golden and crisp around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool; fill with jelly beans.

 Try this recipe now so that when spring rolls around you'll be ready to serve these at your next event.   I know it's the middle of winter, but have I got you craving for spring?!?!