Mouthwatering Mice Recipes

CHOCOLATE CHERRY MICE

Steps:

• Put the maraschino cherries in a strainer and rinse well with cold water until it runs clear. Scatter the cherries on top of a few layers of paper towel to drain and dry thoroughly, patting dry if necessary. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt together the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a bowl set over a pan of slightly simmering water, stirring until uniform and completely melted. Remove the bowl from the heat.
• Holding a cherry by the stem, dip in the melted chocolate, rolling to coat completely. Allow excess chocolate to drain off before placing the cherry on its side on the parchment-lined baking sheet (the stem should stick out from the side rather than the top). Repeat with the remaining cherries and chocolate. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow to set.
• If the remaining chocolate mixture in the bowl has hardened, reheat over simmering water until melted again. Remove the chocolate-covered cherries from the refrigerator. Dip the flat end of a chocolate kiss into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drain off, and then place onto the end opposite the stem end of a cherry. While holding the kiss in place, add 2 almond slices between the cherry and kiss to form ears. Use a toothpick to add 2 small dots of melted chocolate to the kiss, to adhere 2 dragees for eyes. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator to set up for at least 15 minutes.

CARAMEL PEAR MICE

Steps:

• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Just before you make the caramel, core and cut pears into eight wedges, blunting the cut side so that it can lay on a flat surface peel side up. Place a skewer into each wedge, cover with paper towel, and set aside.
• Combine sugars, corn syrup, butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, vanilla and nutmeg in a heavy sauce pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the mixture has come to a brisk boil, slowly add in the remaining cream, keep the mixture boiling. Be sure to wipe any extra sugar from the side of the pot. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot with the tip immersed. Boil the mixture briskly, stirring gently, until the mixture registers 240 degrees F on the candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat. Pour the caramel into a medium heat proof bowl using a rubber spatula so that you do not scrape the bottom of the pot. Let caramel rest until it thickens and cools slightly, about 3 minutes.
• Blot excess moisture from the pears using the paper towels. Dip pears completely into caramel, swirling until it is fully coated, allow excess to drip off slightly. Place on prepared sheet pan. Decorate with black sesame seeds for eyes and candy button noses, while the caramel is still soft. Repeat until all the pears are dipped. Allow to cool until firm about 30 minutes. Serve.
• Halloween Web 2008

SUGAR AND SPICE AND EVERYTHING MICE

Steps:

• Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted. Let cool slightly.
• Dip the figs in the melted chocolate, turning to cover completely; lift out with a fork and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the remaining melted chocolate to attach a licorice piece to the rounded end of each fig for the tail.
• While the chocolate is still soft, stick 2 sliced almonds on the pointy end of each fig for ears, then add 2 orange sprinkles for eyes. Refrigerate until serving, at least 20 minutes.