Freeze-Dried Easter Gifts: Bunny Trail Mix and Peepsicles

Whether you're putting together a few eggs for one child or a big Easter dinner for a crowd, a home freeze dryer has a place in the celebration beyond the main meal — these two gift ideas turn it into something to give, too.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail Mix

This trail mix mixes the traditional with the Easter-themed, built around Annie's Bunny Grahams — organic, bite-sized graham crackers shaped like bunnies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries, strawberries, or raspberries
• 1 cup raw, unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• 1 cup raw, unsalted walnuts or almonds
• 1 cup freeze-dried mini marshmallows
• 1 cup Annie's Bunny Grahams, any flavor

Instructions: Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. For gift-giving, package the mix in cake decorating bags tied off with ribbon.

Peepsicles

Freeze-dried Marshmallow Peeps turn crunchy, similar to Lucky Charms marshmallows but bigger and coated with a light sugar shell. One thing to know ahead of time: Peeps expand somewhat in the freeze dryer, so leave extra space between each one on the trays.

Once they're dried, thread colored Peeps onto bamboo skewers to make "Peepsicles" for a table centerpiece, or wrap them individually in sucker wrappers for an easy grab-and-go gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's in the Bunny Trail Mix recipe?
Equal parts (1 cup each) dried cherries, strawberries, or raspberries; raw unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds; raw unsalted walnuts or almonds; freeze-dried mini marshmallows; and Annie's Bunny Grahams.

Do Marshmallow Peeps need extra space in the freeze dryer?
Yes — Peeps expand somewhat during freeze-drying, so leave extra room between each one on the trays.

What do freeze-dried Peeps taste like?
Crunchy, similar to Lucky Charms marshmallows, but bigger and with a light sugar coating.

How are Peepsicles presented as a gift? Thread freeze-dried Peeps onto bamboo skewers for a centerpiece, or wrap individual Peeps in sucker wrappers for easy gift-giving.