Edible Arachnids

• 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 64 pretzel sticks, halved
• 4-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 32 red M&M's minis

1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using a greased
2. . Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Crumble cake into a large bowl to measure 7 cups.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, cocoa and vanilla until creamy. Beat in confectioners' sugar alternately with milk until smooth. Add cake crumbs; mix well. Shape into sixteen 1-1/2-in. balls and sixteen 3/4-in. balls.
4. To assemble spiders, insert a wooden or metal skewer through one small cake ball and then halfway through one large cake ball; repeat with remaining balls. Place on waxed paper-lined
5. ; insert eight pretzel halves into each large ball to form legs. Freeze 2 hours or until firm.
6. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip each spider in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined
7. .
8. Remove skewers and attach M&M's for eyes. Refrigerate until set.

chocolate cake, butter, baking cocoa, vanilla, sugar, milk, chocolate chips, shortening, minis

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/edible-arachnids/ (may not work)