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1
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with coffee. Pour into two greased 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pans and one 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350u00b0 for 45 minutes (small loaves) and 65 minutes (large loaf) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
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2
For frosting, cream butter and shortening in a bowl. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, food coloring and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
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3
Using a serrated knife, level the top of each cake. Round corners of small cakes; set aside. Place large cake, cut side down, on a 13x12-in. covered board. Round top corners. Frost top and sides of large cake. Frost small cakes; position at a slight angle on each side of large cake with one higher than the other.
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4
Sprinkle sugar on a work surface. For each large flower, place four gumdrops on sugared surface. With a rolling pin, roll each gumdrop into an oval; cut in half lengthwise. With cut side down, roll up one piece to form a bud shape. Wrap remaining pieces around it so rounded edges form petals. For smaller flowers, use two or three gumdrops.
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5
For cactus spines, cut licorice into 1/2-in. strips. Cut each strip in half lengthwise, but not all the way through, leaving strips attached at the bottom. Arrange randomly over cake.
