The New Nest

I have a friend who can remember the exact day that just about everything in her life happened. It's not just that she remembers she graduated from 8th grade on a Friday. No, she remembers the first time she made a spearmint lifesaver to the day, day of the week, month, year, and (often) the hour. I love to pick her brain for things that we were involved in together.

While I might not be quite as accurate as my friend, I can remember moments down to every scent, sensation, snapshot. I remember meeting Melissa for the first time- we were walking into the first day of chemistry class in college. This weekend was her housewarming. My how much we've grown up! Making new memories of christening Melissa's new nest required some GF treats.


New Nest Cupcakes
Ingredients
* cupcakes of your choosing (try any mix or your favorite recipe. I used Whole Foods chocolate cake mix, using rice milk instead of buttermilk for a lighter fluffier cupcake.)
* Simple Frosting at room temperature (see below)
* shaved baker's coconut
* M&M's or other chocolate egg-shaped goodies

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the coconut shavings evenly in a thin layer across a baking sheet. Once the oven has pre-heated, place the baking sheet in for about 5 minutes. The coconut should turn out to be a golden brown. Check the coconut frequently to make sure it doesn't burn- it can turn quickly!

2. Put a thin to medium-small width layer of icing over the top of the cupcake. Using an icing bag makes the process easier. Roll the cupcake in the coconut. If needed, you can add another line of frosting around the edge and roll it in the coconut again to build up sides of the nest.

3. Add a few "eggs" into the nest. Enjoy!


Simple Icing
Ingredients * 1 stick room temperature butter
* 3-4 cups GF confectioner's sugar
* 2 tbs-1/4 cup rice milk (or your milk of choice)
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* electric mixer

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Turn down the mixer to a low speed, and titrate (gradually add) the first 3 cups of sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

3. When the frosting is fluffy, add the vanilla. If you find your frosting is too stiff or un-creamy, add the milk, starting 1 tbsp at a time. Be sure to blend the liquid thoroughly before adding more milk or sugar!