Midnight Mice

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 12 ounces dark chocolate candy coating, chopped
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 36 pieces black shoestring licorice (2 inches each)
• Assorted candies: Red cake decorator dots, M&M's semisweet miniature baking bits and black sugar

1. In a small bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter and vanilla until blended; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Stir in cereal. Shape into 1-in. balls, tapering one end to resemble a mouse. Position almonds on heads for ears. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt candy coating and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip mice into coating; place on waxed paper-lined
3. . Immediately insert licorice for tails. Add red dots for eyes and M&M's miniature baking bits for noses. Sprinkle with black sugar. Refrigerate until set.

peanut butter, butter, vanilla, sugar, crisp rice, almonds, coating, shortening, black shoestring licorice, red cake

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/midnight-mice/ (may not work)