This section is from the book "Betty Crocker's Cookbook For Boys and Girls", by Betty Crocker. Also available from Amazon: Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls.
Bake any flavor Betty Crocker Cake Mix in oblong pan as directed on package.
Frost, using Betty Crocker Fluffy White Frosting Mix, making icing on top about 1/4 -inch thick.
Press painted or chocolate-coated animal crackers against sides of cake. Fence them in with long gumdrops. Set candles in top of cake. Trim with gumdrops and silver candies.
There is a color photograph of a Zoo Cake on page 38.
Cheese Cracker for head
Animal Cracker with head cut off
Paint animals with Egg Yolk Paint (page 48). Bake 3 minutes at 350° to set egg yolk.
or use chocolate-coated animal crackers (below).
To coat animal crackers: Melt 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces with 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a custard cup set in hot water. When chocolate is melted, take from heat and stir with fork until thoroughly blended. Drop crackers, one at a time into chocolate mixture. Lift out with fork, draining off excess, and lay on waxed paper to harden before using.
 
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