Instructions: Combine peanut butter and margarine in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar; reduce speed to low. Beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Stir in graham cracker crumbs by hand. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of mixture into 1 1/2-inch ovals. Place on wax paper-lined cookie sheets.

Combine chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds; stir. Continue microwaving at 10 second intervals, stirring until mixture is melted and smooth (10 to 30 seconds). Cool slightly (2 to 3 minutes). Place chocolate in small plastic resealable food bag. Cut very small tip from one corner of bag. For each honey bee, pipe three chocolate stripes on each oval; insert 2 almond slices in each side for wings. Insert 2 chow mein noodles in head for antenna; insert 1 short chow mein noodle for tail. Make small chocolate dots for eyes, if desired.

Refrigerate until firm (at least 30 minutes). Store refrigerated.

TIPS: Substitute disposable pastry bag for plastic resealable food bag.

If dough is too soft, stir in additional powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Yield: 100 bees

Pam and Amber Ion entered these sweet bees in the 1999 Maryland State Fair and won!

Preparation 1 hrs. 45 min.
* Chilling 30 min.

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