We have many traditions in my household.  Some are simple.  Some are crazy.  There are the traditions that we have started as a family.  And there are ones, like today’s example, that I enjoyed as a child and continue with my kids today.

Today’s celebration is for the 1st Day of Spring on March 20th.  Each year, we make these yummy Spring Nests and read a special poem called, “The Secret.”

When I was a child, I took the Spring Nests into elementary school each year.  (My mom continued making them after elementary school, but I don’t think I took them in for Middle School!!)  Decide if you would like to involve your kids in the making of the treats or allow them to be guessers with the poem.

Spring Nests Recipe (the poem follows):

Ingredients:

5 C Puffed Rice
1/3 C Butter
1/2 C Peanut Butter
1/2 lb or 32 Marshmallows
Jelly Beans

Instructions:

• Heat puffed rice in a shallow pan at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Pour into a large greased bowl.
• Melt butter, peanut butter and marshmallows in a double boiler.
• Pour mixture over rice.
• Stir until coated.
• With greased hands, form 16 nests.  You’ll need to move fast.
• Put in jelly beans as you’re making the nests.

The Secret
By Anonymous

We have a secret, just we three,
The robin, me and the sweet cherry tree.
The robin told the tree and the tree told me,
And nobody knows it but just we three.

Of course the robin knows it best,
Because she built the . . . I can’t tell the rest.
And laid the four little . . . something in it.
I’m afraid I shall tell it every minute!

But if the robin and the tree don’t peep,
I’ll try my best the secret to keep.
But when the little birds fly about,
Then the whole secret will be out.

Who could you share these fun treats with?  Happy Spring, Everyone!