THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS MOUSE RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine peanut butter and butter in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar; continue beating until dough forms.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Pinch 1 end to form nose. Place onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets or trays. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
• Melt candy coating according to package directions. Place waxed paper onto flat surface. Place 1 candy onto fork (keeping remaining candies refrigerated). Dip into melted candy coating. Coat entire candy, allowing excess to drip off by tapping fork against side of pan. Place dipped candy onto waxed paper. Immediately insert 2 almonds for ears and 1 piece licorice for tail. Repeat with remaining refrigerated candies. Let stand about 30 minutes or until coating is set.
• Use decorator gel to make eyes and nose. Store refrigerated.

Steps:

• Carefully twist cookies apart; set aside the halves with cream filling. Save plain halves for another use. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip in melted chocolate, then press onto the bottom of a chocolate kiss. Place on the cream filling of cookie, with cherry stem extending beyond cookie edge. , For ears, place slivered almonds between the cherry and kiss. Refrigerate until set. With green gel, pipe holly leaves on the cream. With red gel, pipe holly berries between leaves. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.