Spider Bites

1 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. water 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 pkg. black rope licorice, cut into short 1-inch pieces 1 small tube of green (or color of choice) decorating gel Toothpicks

Preheat oven to 375° F. In large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder using low-medium speed. Take tablespoon helpings of mixture, roll into balls, and drop onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 minutes. Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the "legs" of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the green decorating gel. Makes about 3-dozen cookies.