Bat Cupcakes

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 24 cupcakes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Stir food color into frosting until well blended; frost tops of cupcakes.

Line large cookie sheet with waxed paper or cooking parchment paper. On another piece of paper, draw and cut out bat shape about 2 1/2 x 1 inch. Place shape under waxed paper. In small microwavable bowl, place chocolate chips. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Place chocolate in small resealable freezer plastic bag; seal. Cut off tiny corner of bag. Squeeze chocolate onto waxed paper to make bat, filling in bat shape underneath as guide and making 24 bats. Cut 1/4-inch pieces of licorice; place on each bat for eyes. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or freeze about 5 minutes until set. Peel waxed paper from chocolate. Place 1 chocolate bat on top of each cupcake just before serving. Store loosely covered.