These little nuggets have become quite the staple at our house. I discovered this recipe last summer and have been cranking out batches of them ever since. However, I have never come up with a good name for this recipe. They're originally called "Energy Bites", but that's sort of boring. Tim is grown fond of calling them "Speed Balls" or "Speed Bombs", which are both extremely weird and awkward. So I guess the jury is still out on the official name. Nonetheless, these little puppies are packed with energy and goodness, and perfect for hikes and camping trips. Yeah, camping trips...remember those? Those times when you sleep under the stars and have bonfires and go on hikes, all in sunny 70-degree weather. I've nearly forgotten what camping is thanks to yet another snow storm raging outside my window on the 22nd day of April. Pure craziness. But you can bet I'll be whipping up a batch of Speed Balls for our trip out west in a few weeks!
Healthy Energy Bites
adapted from Gimme Some Oven blog
1 cup dry oatmeal (I use old-fashioned oats)
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or any sort of add-in you like)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like - I make mine about 1" in diameter. These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
