Ingredients:
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
- One 10-ounce package marshmallows
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 ounces red food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
- Black licorice ropes, for decorating
