Peanut ears, M&M eyes, and licorice tails transform these chocolate-covered apricots into sweet little mice -- ones that will scurry out of your gift box and into eager mouths. These super sweet little mice are as much fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 48 dried apricots
• Wooden skewers

• 48 M&M's Minis
• Black shoestring licorice
• 24 dry-roasted peanut halves

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute.

2. Stir and microwave for 1 minute more.

3. Stir until smooth.

4. For each mouse, press together 2 dried apricots, making a small point for the mouse's nose, and thread them onto a skewer.

5. Dip them into the melted chocolate and place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet.

6. Use a second skewer to push the mouse off the first skewer; use your fingertip to cover the hole left behind with chocolate.

7. Add M&M's Minis eyes, a shoestring licorice tail, and peanut ears (we broke each peanut half in half again).

8. Refrigerate until hardened. Makes 24.

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Find more about:

• Apricots |
• Chocolate Chips |
• Christmas |
• Mice |
• Peanuts |
• Sweet Snacks

Related Categories:

• Appetizers & Snacks |
• Sweet Snacks |
• December/January 2002