Peanut Butter Energy Bites (plus variations!)

• 1 cup rolled oats or GF oats, slightly pulsed
• ½-3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• ¼ cup ground flax seed
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Peanut Butter Base Recipe:

In a food processor or blender, slightly pulse oats, 3-4 pulses (oats should not be completely ground up into flour consistency. They should in small bits). In a medium prep bowl, mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, to make it easier to mold and roll. Once ready, roll into balls to whatever size you like. (2” size makes about 10-12 bites). Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.
*Depending on what peanut butter is used, there may be a few adjustments. If mix seems too dry, add another Tbsp of honey or peanut butter. If mix is too wet, add extra oatmeal (this could happen with all- natural peanut butters).

Variations:

**Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Coconut Energy Bites**

1 cup rolled oats or GF oats, slightly pulsed and ground
½-3/4 cup Peanut Butter
¼ cup ground flax seed
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1-1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips, melted
Toasted unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions: Prepare as directed above.

After rolling energy bites, place in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. Melt dark chocolate chips and place coconut flakes in a separate bowl. Once bites are ready, roll in melted dark chocolate then coconut flakes and place on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate once more for 20 minutes before serving.

**Nut Free Chocolate Chip Energy Bites**

1 cup rolled oats or GF oats, slightly pulsed and ground
3/4 cup Sunflower Seed Butter
¼ cup ground flax seed
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup toasted unsweetened coconut

Directions: Prepare as directed, adding new additions.

**Banana Trail Mix Energy Bites**

1 1/4 cup rolled oats or GF oats, slightly pulsed and ground
1/2 cup Peanut Butter
¼ cup ground flax seed
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 ripe Banana, mashed
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup almonds, chopped

Directions: Prepare as directed above, adding new additions.