Decorate tops with Gumdrop Cats. Heat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin cups with paper baking cups.

1 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. hot water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs

Beat all ingredients at medium speed about 30 seconds until blended. Beat on high 3 minutes. Fill cups 2/3 full. Bake 20-25 minutes until wood pick comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool completely.

CREAMY ORANGE FROSTING:

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 tbsp. shortening
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. fine grated orange peel
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. orange juice
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Red & yellow food color (1 or 2 drops)

Beat all ingredients except food color on medium speed until frosting is smooth and spreading consistency. Stir in 1 or 2 drops of red and yellow food coloring.

BLACK GUMDROP CATS:

Cut a large gumdrop crosswise into 3 pieces. Use small rounded top piece for head, large piece for body. Cut tail and ears from third piece.