Chocolate Apricot Bugs

Directions

1. 1
   Place 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in a small bowl.
2. 2
   Place the bowl over a small pan of barely simmering water.
3. 3
   Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove the pan from the heat.
5. 5
   Gently squeeze the sides of an apricot together until 3/4-inch thick.
6. 6
   Using a wooden skewer, make a hole through the center of the side of the apricot and thread a piece of licorice through the hole.
7. 7
   Repeat twice more on either side of the first hole.
8. 8
   Gently flatten out the apricot to its original shape.
9. 9
   Dip the blunt end of the skewer in the melted chocolate and place a very small dab of chocolate onto the flat side of 2 chocolate chips.
10. 10
    Place the chocolate chips side-by-side on the end of the apricot to form 2 eyes.
11. 11
    Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
12. 12
    Allow the melted chocolate to harden, about 15 minutes, and serve.
13. 13
    Cook's Note: The bugs can also be made using dried prunes.
14. 14
    Use red licorice lace for the legs and white chocolate chips for the eyes.