A Work of Art & A Halloween Treat

Because I'm a wee bit obsessed with food & currently trying to learn about French food, I found this quite interesting:

As for my own "art" pieces ... when I saw these, I was excited to find an opportunity to make the with my kiddies:

If you'd like to make some with your little ghosts & ghouls, here are some simple instructions ...

Needed Ingredients:

1 1/2 C Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Extra Crunchy & they turned out just dandy)

1/2 C Butter, at room temperature

1 pound (about 4 cups) Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1 (12-oz) package of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

2 Tablespoons Solid Vegetable Shortening (I only used about 1 T)

Mini M&M's

1. Blend peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, & vanilla together in a bowl.  I found it easiest to use my hands for this step.

2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.  Roll PB mixture into small balls (good job for the kiddies) and place on baking sheet.  Freeze or refrigerate for about 1 hour so the balls get firm.  (I froze mine.)

3. Melt chocolate chips & shortening in microwave.  Check & stir every 30 seconds.

4. Remove your PB balls from the fridge or freezer.  Using a fork or toothpicks, dip each ball into the chocolate, leaving a round or oval opening of undipped peanut butter on top.  Return chocolate-PB balls to waxed paper, cornea side up.

5. Place an M&M in the center of each PB cornea to make an iris.  Refrigerate or freeze again for at least an hour before serving. 

*Store in fridge or freezer & serve chilled.