Easy Snack Recipe: No Bake Energy Balls

Just shy of a month ago, Sarah from Total Basset Case mentioned that she and her husband had been obsessed with these little sweet treats (she originally got the recipe from Gimme Some Oven). I was so intrigued that I printed out the recipe and have been planning to make ever since. Finally this past weekend, I had a real craving for something sweet and knew exactly what to make.

Ingredients:

1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)

2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ (I used flaxseed)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) (I used the mini chips)

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Step 1:  Toast the coconut. Just place the amount needed on a baking sheet. Be sure to spread out and bake at 350 degrees for approx . 7-10 minutes. Don't forget to stir frequently. Once the coconut browns it's done. Tastes good on its own too!

Step 2:  Add all ingredients into a medium/large mixing bowl and stir until well blended.

Step 3: Cover and let chill in refrigerator for an hour. Then take out and roll into balls and store in air tight container back in the refrigerator. I personally think that these taste better after they set overnight. This mix only made approx. 18 balls. Next time I think I will double my recipe. And I'm already thinking that I might want to add a little more coconut and maybe sunflower seeds. Yum!!

So what do you guys think? Would you make these or have you already tried them? When the sweet-tooth sets in, these make for a great substitution rather than grabbing for cookies. And they are so easy to make! These make for a perfect midday pick me up or an after dinner snack. As Mendi's husband always says, "you need something to cut the edge after dinner" so why not grab a healthy energy ball. :-)

Enjoy!

Jayme