Get Crafty with Simple Spring Baskets

With my wedding date fast approaching, there are so many little details that need to be finished up. A couple weekends ago, we finalized the bridesmaid dresses. I was able to spend some time with most of my bridesmaids, which was fun since we don’t usually get to all be in the same place at once.

Adam had his groomsmen over the same weekend and showed them around the area. All in all, it was a great weekend, but then I realized the only member of our bridal party (that lives within driving distance) that I had not seen that weekend was our ring bearer, Cade. I’ve known Cade his whole life- his dad teaches with my mom and their family is very close with ours. I talked to Cade on the phone a while back, and he asked when I’d be home next.

After talking with him, I thought next time we got together we should do something different and exciting, and when I saw the recipe for Simple Spring Baskets, I knew Cade would love to make them with me. He is the most helpful, inquisitive kid I know so I figured he’d be perfect for the job!

Before Cade showed up, I set all of the ingredients out we would need to make the baskets. This way he wouldn’t have to wait around while I got everything ready. I tinted some coconut for decoration, as well. It is as simple as a few drops of food coloring into about a cup of sweetened flaked coconut and stirring to combine. I also cut colored licorice in half to form the handles on the baskets.

Before we started, we made sure to wash our hands since we would be working with them a lot.

We got Cade into his apron and up on the stool to help me out.

First step: melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan over Low heat.

The marshmallows and butter should melt together to form a mixture that looks something like this…

Now that the butter and marshmallows have melted together, stir in the chow mein noodles.

The stirring proved to be a little difficult for small arms, but he used all the energy he could to fold in the noodles.

Now, remove the pan from the heat. It’s time to make our baskets! Cade and I found that it was easier to push the mixture into the tins with buttered hands. Plus, buttering our hands was kind of fun!

Push about ¼ cup of the marshmallow mixture into buttered muffin tins. Press the mixture up against the sides to form a “basket.”

Working quickly, press the licorice into the basket to form a handle. The quicker you work, the more likely the licorice is to stick in the basket. We decided to leave a couple of baskets without handles.

Now it’s time to refrigerate the baskets. This helps the baskets stay together so decorating is easier. Cade took this time to show off his new Star Wars pop-up book to Adam, another huge Star Wars fan.

Once the baskets are chilled, pop them out of the muffin tin. They should come out pretty easily if you buttered the pan. I used a butter knife to loosen the sides a bit.

Now it’s time for the really fun part- decorating! We melted some white candy coating in the microwave to drizzle over the tops of the baskets (this also helps the sprinkles and coconut stick.)

Even Aaron, Cade’s younger brother, wanted to make his own!

You can decorate the tops of the baskets with sprinkles or tinted coconut…

…and then fill the baskets with your favorite candy.

Everyone in Cade’s family tried a basket and thought they were delicious!

Give these Simple Spring Baskets a try with any little kids in your life. Tasty and fun- they are guaranteed to be a hit!

What would you use to fill your baskets? Make sure to come back and let me know how they turned out for you and as always, rate and review the recipe.

Looking for a fun twist on a classic Easter side dish? Come back in a few days and I will share a fun new mashed potato recipe.

Mallory is a consultant for the Test Kitchens at Land O'Lakes and writes for our Recipe Buzz® Blog.