Chocolate Easter Eggs

1. Stage

In a large saucepan, combine the two pudding mixes, butter and milk. Cook and stir them together over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture is thickened, one to two minutes longer. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter. Let the dough cool slightly at room temperature.

2. Stage

Scoop out the dough by 1/2 cupfuls, and shape them into flat eggs. Place each egg-shaped piece of dough on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator until they’re chilled and set.

3. Stage

You have two options for melting the chocolate: the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave, then heat for one minute. Stir the mixture together, then continue to heat in 20-second increments until the mixture is smooth. For the stovetop, place a saucepan over medium heat, and fill it with 1-inch of water. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to low, and place a heat-proof bowl on top of the saucepan. Add the chocolate chips and the shortening into the bowl and stir and melt until the mixture is completely smooth. Editor’s Tip: Be sure to not get any water in the bowl, or the chocolate will seize. If using the stovetop method, never allow the water to hit the bottom of the bowl, or the chocolate could burn.

4. Stage

Using a fork, dip the shaped eggs in the melted chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Return the chocolate eggs to the waxed paper. Just before the chocolate is completely set, decorate the chocolate-covered eggs with sprinkles and candies as desired. Or, let the chocolate set completely, then pipe pretty designs on top. Serve your decorated Chocolate Easter Eggs and enjoy!