Although everyone doesn't celebrate Groundhog Day, I'm always looking for excuses to make something yummy, and I try to make something fun on Groundhog Day, which is always celebrated on February 2nd. The following No-Bake Chocolate Groundhogs make a fun snack, or a nice accompaniment to puddings or ice cream for dessert. You need to use your imagination, of course, but these crunchy little mounds of fudgy chocolate sort of resemble the furry little rodents. Although I've never tasted groundhog (for main dishes, I always serve "ground hog" which is sausage, ground pork, or something ground from a pig – for dessert it's always something sweet – totally unrelated to the little critters), I'm sure these do not taste like the real thing. If you have lots of time, you can add raisins for eyes, but since the mixture is quite dark, the raisins really don't show up. If you like, if you have time, and you are set on adding eyes, you could press two white chocolate chips into the mounds before they set.

Since Groundhog Day isn't a paid holiday for most of us, it's nice to be able to make a fun dessert in 30 minutes or less; these little groundhogs can be made in 30 minutes or less. The question is, then, what are you waiting for?

Makes about 48, depending on size

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup evaporated milk
3 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon vanilla

1 12 oz. package chow mein noodles
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup mixed nuts

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper; set aside.
2. Mix the butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan; cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring once or twice.
3. When the mixture boils, remove the lid, stir well, and let boil for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla; add the chow mein noodles, raisins, and nuts; stir until well mixed.
5. Let the groundhogs sit at room temperature until set, then transfer them to an airtight container; they can be stored up to one week.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 Calories from Fat 39
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 43% Protein 5% Carb. 52%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 9 mg
Sodium 102 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%