Chocolate Mouse (Nope, not mousse!)

These are extra special to me, especially right now. The friend who introduced them has been diagnosed with cancer and we are holding her in prayer. Mother of four, ranging from 2 to 16, she has brought sunshine and laughter into our lives with the light of Christ that shines so brightly in her life.

It's simple, yet so cute. You'll need (quantities depend on how many you want to make)

Oreo Cookies -- remove tops and set them back to use in other recipes later.
Maraschino cherry -- the body on the mouse.
Hershey's Kiss -- for the head and
Slivered almonds -- for the ears
Eyes here are decorative icing. I've seen them, too, with silver sugar beads
Dipping chocolate -- recipe below

The only problem is eating them -- they are so cute to watch that making a pet of them is tempting!!!

The dipping chocolate recipe from Hershey is simple and makes a cup:
　
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Special Dark or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tablespoon shortening (do not subtitute butter, margarine, spread or oil!)

Place chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Cool slightly.

Hold cherry by the stem and dip into chocolate until covered. Shake gently to remove excess chocolate. Place on prepared Oreo bottom. Place Hersey's kiss for the head, hold with a drop of chocolate and place almonds for the ears. A drop of chocolate can hold the eyes, too.