Up your creepy Halloween tablescape with a malevolent and edible giant black rat.

Step 1: Recipe

I decided to go with a jalapeno bacon cheeseball because I love bacon and spicy food, and I feel that you should always celebrate your favorite holiday with your favorite foods.

16 oz cream cheese, softened
3 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp cheddar)
8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic (I hate chopping garlic and used the jarred stuff)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon cumin

Also needed:

Black sesame seeds (can be purchased at most Asian grocery stores or online)
Small red pepper
1 rope black licorice (yeah, it would taste really weird together if you actually ate it as part of the cheeseball. Sadly I have yet to find a good savory alternative to licorice that would make a convincing black rat tail)

Step 2: Make It!

Combine all of the cheeseball ingredients until thoroughly mixed. RESERVE the black sesame seeds and red pepper.
Divide the cheeseball mix into roughly 3/4 and 1/4 parts.
Take 3/4 of the cheeseball mix and start patting it into a large, rough teardrop or pear shape. The back end should be round and domed, tapering to a point. This is your rat's body.
Use the remaining 1/4 of the cheesball mix and shape into a smaller teardrop or pear shape. Pinch the top of the head to create small, round ears. Rats don't have much in the way of ears, but you'll want a little something there.
Take your black sesame seeds and gently pat them into place all over the surface.
Slice your red pepper to create two slightly angled, rectangular pieces. These are your rat's eyes. Gently push them into place.
Stick your black licorice in as the tail.

Et voila! A giant rat, ready to be devoured!