12 Weeks of Christmas, Week #3 No bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Hedgehogss

I know the theme for this event is to post happy, colourful Christmas cookies, but i just couldn’t resist sneaking in these little treats.

Sure, hedgehogs are more suited for Halloween, which of course is also just around the corner. In fact, the original recipe called for them to be shaped into mice. But i wasn’t about to get licorice ropes just for the mice tails.

So i kinda improvised, and tried to make them as friendly looking as i possibly could.

The original recipe called for mini candies for the mice’s eyes.

But, that’s not happening to my friendly hedgehogs, i wasn’t about to let them have red, evil stares.

Instead, I dotted some white chocolate for these, plus a mini within for that extra innocence.

And also, a sprinkle of thorns, for i just simply couldnt leave these cherubic faces defenceless.

AAaaww

That’s a hedgehog, eating a giant almond. Hedgehogs eat almonds right.

Oh, did i mention that these are No-bake?

Andthey are made up of the most perfect pair, peanut butter and chocolate?

Ok, i shall not hedge for the recipe and hog on your attention any longer.

Here goes! Recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

• 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.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt candy coating and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip mice into coating; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. 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. Yield: 3 dozen.

This is my week #3 of 12 weeks of Christmas Cookies. Third week, means that we are about 9 weeks away from Christmas!

Thanks again Abbey Sweets for hosting the event. I cant wait to see what the others bake up with!