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Kelly’s Famous Energy Bites
You don’t know how tempted I was to call these “Boss Lady Balls.” But then I reconsidered, unsure of what kind of audience a title like that would attract ;)
Kelly (AKA my mom…) whips this recipe up at least once a month now, and I asked her for the measurements so I could share with you! They are so versatile, you really just need a rough guide to start with. Then let you’re creativity take over. (My favorite version includes dried tart cherries and dried apricots, though she has made some butterscotch chip balls that are melt-in-yo-mouth drool-worthy).
There’s nothing too earth-shattering in these. They are simple to throw together and they require no baking (AKA you can make them in your dorm room!) But they are such a hit! Everyone we share them with asks for the recipe to make their own.
The Recipe:
(Makes 40-ish bites)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dried fruit
- 1/3 cup crushed pecans
- 2 tsp vanilla
Combine ingredients and roll onto parchment paper in 1″ balls. Pop them into the freezer and try not to eat the whole batch in one day.
I’m dying to recreate these on my own pretty soon, using pumpkin to replace some of the peanut butter, and smashed banana to replace some of the honey. I’m thinking they’d be pretty great with some crushed pistachios or even a little bit of toasted coconut.
OH THE POSSIBILITES :)
It has the texture of raw cookie dough. Probably the reason why it’s so dang delicious. It feels wrong ;)
And now I’ve shared TWO dessert-y recipes in a row, so I guess we’re due for a little fitness post next, huh?
How Was Your Weekend?
AMAZING Strawberry Banana Oat “Cookies”
One of my best friends, Bre, came over yesterday for the afternoon. We did what we do best: bake! I love making anything from scratch, especially when I can alter the recipe to reduce fat, sodium, sugar and/or calories. Yesterday we tried something new, an experiment, and it turned out fantastic! Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies. These “cookies” are vegan and do not require flour, sugar, butter or oil. That’s why I call them “cookies” with quotes – because while they look and taste like a chewy oatmeal cookie, they are so healthy it’s unbelievable.
These are like a cross between a granola bar, oatmeal cookies and banana bread. For a little variety, we added mini chocolate chips and coconut to some of the batches! I was a little skeptical of how these would turn out. I thought for sure they would be lacking a little flavor due to the absense of sugar and butter but I was proven wrong! There is plenty of sweetness from the bananas, applesauce, and vanilla. (We added honey but you really don’t need it.)
My friend and baking buddy, Bre, with our “cookies.”
(Note that however you place the dough on the baking sheet is the shape and size they will come out. There is no baking powder, baking soda, or flour to help them rise and flatten out.) It was a PERFECT summer dessert to enjoy right out of the oven with a cup of coffee. My favorite was the coconut! And the strawberries had just the right amount of tartness to make them so flavorful. These would be a great breakfast on the go as well – you get your oats and fruit and almonds! You have to try these, I guarantee it will be a hit :)
(Vegan) Strawberry Banana Oat “Cookies”
1/2 cup Almond slivers
1/2 cup Applesauce
3 very ripe bananas, smashed
1 Tbs Honey
2 cups Rolled Oats
1 heaping Tbs Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Vanilla
10 Strawberries, diced
Optional:
1/4 cup Coconut flakes
1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine smashed bananas, applesauce, oats, almonds, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
3. Add the diced strawberries into the batter and mix. Add in coconut flakes and chocolate chips.
4. Drop by the spoonful on to the baking sheet (I recommend flattening them a little.) Bake for 18 minutes; transfer to cooling rack.
5. Enjoy these guilt-free cookies with fresh coffee (this step is very important.)
I would love to hear what suggestions YOU have to add in instead of chocolate chips and coconut :)
