+GF +QP +SF
These PB and J Energy Bites are the bee’s knees my friends! I made them by accident the other day when cleaning out my cabinets and trying to make a healthy, satisfying, sweet-ish treat. I didn’t want to get the blender or food processor involved because they’re a pain to clean, so these little cuties are stuck together using my favorite sticky ingredient: peanut butter! And because they’re packed with PB, chia and flax, they’re packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, too—which makes these perfect for bringing along on a hike, picnic at the beach or on your next road trip! —AS
MAKES 16 TO 20 BALLS
1 cup (130 g) rolled oats (gluten-free)
⅔ cup (60 g) roughly chopped freeze-dried strawberries
⅓ cup (63 g) ground flaxseed
⅓ cup (53 g) chia seeds
½ cup (90 g) peanut butter
⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup or agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, strawberries, flax and chia. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract, and stir until thoroughly mixed. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls. Store them in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.