Ok, cooks... It's time to spring into action, throw open those windows and let the food times roll! What better occasion than Easter to experiment with fun, new sweet treats that children of all ages will enjoy? For me this time of year is a coming out, a time to embrace the freshness of the new year and rally around my family. Much of that celebration starts in the kitchen, as my grandson, daughter-in-law and I experiment with new recipes fit for an Easter feast.

Utah cook Bonnie Dare got our creative juices flowing when she recently shared a recipe for Easter Nest Cookies. Her festive recipe brought back memories of the coconut "bird's nest" candy that my grandmother used to make every year.

"Celebrate Easter in your kitchen!" encourages Bonnie. "Serve these adorable, easy to make cookies made from candy Easter eggs, shining like jewels, and nestled in adorable little nests! Yummy coconut flavored cookies are a favorite in my house. They are almost too pretty to eat!"

And beautiful they are! These cookies are a great reminder that a beautiful and festive tablescape doesn't necessarily have to cost a lot of money or add additional work. Nestle some of these sweet bird nests among colored eggs for an edible, low-cost centerpiece.

And speaking of eggs, Miami resident Deneece Gursky thinks that marshmallow, peanut butter and chocolate are the real way to go when it comes to decorated eggs.

"Marshmallow and peanut butter come together to make the most delectable Easter candies!" exclaims Deenece. "This Easter Bunny fills her baskets with homemade candies."

Well, the Crew and I have to agree... nothing says lovin' like homemade candy. And these chocolate-dipped eggs are a real winner. Combining marshmallow and peanut butter, Deneece's recipe is the ultimate in decadence. And they're cute too... so be sure to leave room in your bunnies' baskets.

Not to be outdone, Nettie Perry of Sevierville, TN brings us her cute-as-can-be recipe for Mini Easter Baskets! These basket-shaped cookies are easily made by using a regular muffin tin to mold refrigerated cookie dough. The final result is an edible basket for all of your most valuable Easter treasures (like jelly beans!)

"I made these for the kids but the adults took them over," laughs Nettie "They are so cute and very yummy!"

This is an ideal recipe for getting the kids involved. Heck, why not have a decorating party?! In fact, it's recipes like Nettie's that bring out the child in all of us. And that may be the sweetest thing of all.

Before I head back into the kitchen, I would be remiss not to give a special Easter shout out to a long-time Just A Pinch favorite: Shannon Smith's easy Oreo Cookie Balls. These cute little truffles are wildly popular and perfect for holiday decoration and munching. Sure, they may be called Oreo Cookie "Balls", but why not try rolling these little guys into egg shapes instead? With a quick dunk in white chocolate and a few sprinkles, you've got a unique Easter treat that's sure to be a hit.

However you decide to treat yourself this Spring, we here at Just A Pinch wish you the very sweetest of Easters!