Butterscotch Nests

Instead of a make-ahead cookie, today I'm featuring a make-at-the-last-minute cookie. Butterscotch Nests are easy enough that a 2 year-old can help, and they're not just for Christmas. For Halloween, you can use black jelly beans or brown M&Ms to make a vulture's nest. Have the kids color a small picture of a turkey and perch it on top to make turkeys-in-the-straw for Thanksgiving. For Easter, use pastel blue jelly beans to make a robin's nest. At Christmas, I use red and green M&Ms to add some color, but even without any extra touches these sweet, crunchy cookies appeal to kids.

BUTTERSCOTCH NESTS

11-oz. bag of Nestle's Butterscotch Morsels

Large can LaChoy chow mein noodles

Jelly beans or M&Ms (optional)

Microwave the butterscotch morsels in a large bowl, stirring often (morsels can hold their shape even when completely melted). Stir chow mien noodles into melted morsels. Using two spoons, quickly drop mixture in clumps onto a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper. If you plan to add the candy "eggs", press down the center of each clump. Before cookies set, press "eggs" firmly into each clump. Let cool at room temperature before storing or freezing in a tightly covered container.  NOTE: These cookies set up very quickly. If you are adding the jelly beans or M&Ms, it's very helpful to have two people working together, one dropping and the other pressing in the decorations.