Christmas Mice Cookies Recipe

Christmas Mice Cookies

from Very Merry Cookie Party by Virginia Van Vynckt and Barbara Grunes

Ingredients:

1/2 CUP SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
GREEN FOOD COLORING
2 CUPS CONFECTIONERS SUGAR
3 CUPS SWEETENED SHREDDED COCONUT
30 ALMOND SLICES
15 CURRANTS OR SMALL RED CANDIES
GREEN OR BLUE DECORATING PEN
GREEN (SOUR APPLE) WHIPS (LACES) OR OTHER CANDY WHIPS OF YOUR CHOICE, CUT INTO 6-INCH PIECES (15 PIECES TOTAL)

Makes 15

This and many other wonderful recipes may be found in Very Merry Cookie Party
from Chronicle Books

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house / Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ..." Children enjoy helping to make these no-bake cookies, which are similar to a macaroon-somewhere between a cookie and a candy. Green (sour apple) candy whips, also called laces, make nice mouse tails. You can also use red or black licorice whips, or any color or flavor you like. Cookie exchange tip: When arranging the platter, include a small wedge of cheese and position the mice so they are facing the cheese. You might even place one mouse on top of the cheese. These are very child-friendly cookies.

1. In a small cup, stir together the condensed milk and c or 3 drops food coloring, or enough to create a very pale green color. Make sure the food coloring is completely mixed through the milk.

2. In a food processor, combine the confectioners' sugar, coconut, and condensed milk mixture and process until all the ingredients are well combined and the coconut is finely minced, about 1 minute. Remove the blade from the food processor.

3. Scoop up a tablespoon of the coconut mixture, then gently push it out of the spoon with another spoon onto a work surface. Shape the mixture into a mouse, pinching a narrow nose on one end and a plump rear on the other. Using a spatula, transfer the mouse to a plate. Repeat until all the mice have been formed.

4. Place 2 almond slices on each mouse "head" to create ears, and put a currant or candy at the tip of the nose. Using the decorating pen, draw an eye on each mouse. Position a piece of candy whip for the tail on the plump rear, opposite the head. Cover the mice lightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.