Banana-Nut Candy Monstrance
Corpus Christi:
 

5 small ripe bananas 1/2 c. packed pitted dates (12 small dates) 1/2 c. almonds, (to be coarsely chopped) 2/3 c. almonds (to be finely ground)

1. Chop and grind the almonds.
2. Place bananas and then dates in blender; blend smooth.
3. Combine banana mixture with nuts and mix thoroughly.
4. Cover and chill about 4 hours.
5. Preheat oven to warm.
6. Stir mixture and spread evenly and thinly on baking sheets lined with baking parchment.
7. Bake until leathery-dry but pliable; this may take around 6 hours. Switch trays in oven as required for even baking. (If dehydrating instead of baking, start it on oiled or non-stick solid trays until it can be removed intact, then turn it onto regular trays to finish drying.)
8. Remove from parchments (or dehydrator trays) and stick backs together.
9. Using kitchen scissors, cut monstrance.
10. Use a piece of white baking parchment to represent the Host; stick it on with honey, but remove when serving.
11. Accent with a gold doily.
[12. Cut with kitchen scissors and serve.]

The monstrance is used at Benediction to expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. At Benediction, we pray, "You have given them Bread from heaven, having all sweetness within it."

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