Peanut Butter Bumble Bees

Today, December 7th, is the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan.

"St. Ambrose is also known as the "Honey-Tongued Doctor," a pun on the saint's name (the word for honey in Latin is ambrosia); his preaching was said to be mellifluous, as sweet as flowing honey. Also according to legend, when Ambrose was a baby, a swarm of bees settled on his mouth, an omen that he would be a great orator. St. Ambrose is the patron of bee keepers, bees, candlemakers, domestic animals, learning, Milan Italy, and students. He is often depicted with a beehive or bees in his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom."  ~ Catholic Culture

A few recipes for tying in honey or bumblebees in honor of this great saint have been posted here at Catholic Cuisine in the past, including:  Honey-Curry Chicken, Christmas Honey Cookies for the Honey-Tongued Saint, a Sweet Beehive Cake for St. Ambrose, and Bumblebee Cookies for St. Ambrose.

Here is another recipe to make some quick and easy no-bake Peanut Butter Bumble Bees for today's feast.  I made the batter this morning and quickly decorated a few to show you all here, but I'm saving the rest for my children to decorate themselves this afternoon to enjoy as a snack after decorating our Christmas Christ Candle.

Peanut Butter Bumble Bees

Adapted from Kraft Foods

Ingredients:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 square Semi-Sweet Chocolate OR Chocolate Cookie Icing
1/3 cup Sliced Almonds

Directions:

BEAT butter, peanut butter and powdered sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add cracker crumbs; mix well.

SHAPE tablespoonful of butter mixture into 1-inch oval to resemble body of bumble bee. Repeat with remaining butter mixture for additional "bees."

MELT chocolate as directed on package. Drizzle in lines on top of bees to resemble bees' stripes. Insert almonds into both sides of each body for "wings." Store in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Yields: 15 servings, 2 bees each

St. Ambrose of Milan, pray for us!