½package8oz. kataifi (shredded fillo dough), thawed
2tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted
1package8oz. cream cheese, softened
¼cupgranulated sugar or 2 tablespoons honey
¾cupheavy cream
1tablespoonlemon juice
1teaspoonvanilla extract
2tablespoonshot water
1teaspoonunflavored gelatin
Robin's eggs candyJelly Belly's or M&M's
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the nests by untangling kataifi in a large bowl (it doesn't have to be perfect, just no clumps). Drizzle the melted butter over the kataifi and toss to coat completely.
Pinch handfuls of the kataifi and distribute evenly over two muffin tins. Gently press them down into muffin wells to form a nest.
Bake the nests for 8-10 minutes (keep your eye on them so they don't get too dark). Cool in muffin tin on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar or honey, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
In a small bowl, pour hot water over gelatin. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, if necessary. Do not boil.
Gradually beat in gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
Fill nests with the cheesecake filling (about 1 tablespoon per nest).
10. Refrigerate until set, for about an hour and then carefully remove nests to platter with an offset spatula or spoon.
11. Garnish with robin's eggs candy before serving.
Notes
~ Free Tip ~ Add 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to kataifi in step 4, if desired.