Easy No-Bake Energy Bites

You know I am always making snacks, ones that are healthy and the kids would love.

With any snack, fibre is a major goal.

Recently, Rayna was bouting some tummy issues. For me, this was super traumatizing watching her be uncomfortable, as well as the fact that I try so hard to give them healthful foods at least 80% of the time. It kind of concerned me that on the odd occasions she may eat something that would send her gut off on this painful course. 

Of course, I may be being a bit dramatic (but food and nutrition are kind of something that I feel I got a handle on, so for me, yeah it's a big deal). 

Anywho, it got me thinking that I want to have home-made snacks on hand for times we have to be on the go, or if I have a meeting to run to and must leave with a sitter, or whatever. Just something trustworthy and healthful yet filling. 

Now, as a bonus, I wanted to create something I would love to eat too...given I'm kind of on the go most of the time. 

I have been seeing the concept of these "energy balls" or "bites" being pretty popular. So, I set off to the kitchen to play with some ingredients I had on hand and test out a few recipes. This was was pretty "rock on" (sorry, Caiden has been saying that lately), and was so stoked I handed them out!

Not only is is fricking jam-packed with goodness and nutrition, it is a fulfilling snack, and gives a little bit of needed energy if you are feeling sluggish.

So give it a go...the kids ate them up, I did, and a few other adults. I think this will be in rotation at my place.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp seedibles cinnawow (if you don't have this use ground flax mixed with cinnamon)
2 tbsp desiccated unsweetened coconut
1tsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
2 to 3 tbsp peach & pear puree (preferably homemade)
1 tsp vanilla

What to do:

Mix everything well, in a medium-sized bowl, by hand is easiest. At this point you can add in additional items you wish to (see the notes for some ideas). 

Cover and chill in your refrigerator, for 20 minutes.

Take out and roll into small balls (about 1/2 inch balls).

Chill again for 15 to 20 minutes, just to set shape.

Enjoy.

Notes:

• To make puree at home: Peel and cut 1 Bartlett Pear, 1 peach, add about 2 tablespoons of water and blend away. 
• Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, crushed nuts, yogurt chips, dark chocolate bits, raisins, pumpkin seeds, chopped up dates...
• It's up to you what vanilla you use, I couldn't wait to use the vanilla I got from Mexico...honestly it was delicious!