Crunchy Easter Eggs
Source: Elizabeth LaBau, About.com
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup (4 ounces) melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 lb chocolate candy coating
1. Preheat the oven to 325, and spread the coconut on a small baking sheet. Bake until the coconut is golden brown, stirring after every 2 minutes to prevent browning.
2. Place the toasted coconut in the bowl of a large electric mixer, along with 1 cup of the graham cracker crumbs, and 1.5 cups of powdered sugar. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients briefly.
3. Stop the mixer and add the peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Turn the mixer to low and mix until the candy is well-mixed.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, adding just enough to make the candy firm enough to shape into balls, but not so much that it becomes dry and crumbly.
5. Using a spoon, scoop up a small amount of candy and roll it between your hands until it is an oblong egg shape. Place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and repeat with remaining candy until you have approximately twenty eggs.
6. Put the eggs in the refrigerator to stay firm while you melt the chocolate candy coating. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in one-minute increments until melted, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.
7. Once the chocolate is melted, dip the eggs in the chocolate and replace them on the foil-covered sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops of the eggs with the remaining crushed graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Crunchy Easter Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. They are best served at room temperature.