PB and J Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

In case you are wondering why I haven't been posting as many new recipes lately, it is because my kitchen is in the process of being remodeled and I have had limited access to it off and on.  Which makes me a little less motivated to make anything that can't be made in the instant pot or air fryer since I can plug those in places that are not in the kitchen and it is usually just for my dinner. During the time that I had to use it for a few days with a gap in between the wall paper being removed and the other stuff being torn out, I made these energy balls.  They are a staple in my refrigerator for when the snack craving hits!

I might be able to make a couple more things between now and when they replace the cabinets and everything to make something else, but for now I am just trying to enjoy doing other things like be outside while this is going on. So I apologize if you are missing my new recipes. I love these energy balls, because they are so easy to make and they taste like cookies. I switch up the flavors a lot so I don't get bored, and this time I was craving a PB and J flavor.

I used dates to sweeten them, and peanut butter and coconut butter to bind them plus oats as the bulk of the recipe. I love oats for breakfast, and for things like this, because they are packed with fiber and they keep me full longer. I also added some chia seeds, hemp seeds and vanilla protein powder for extra protein since these are supposed to be a substantial snack. For the J (jelly) part of the PB and J I used some Trader Joe's freeze dried raspberries.

I wanted these to be shelf stable and not too gooey which is why I didn't use actual jam. And lastly, because chocolate chips make everything better I added in some chocolate chips, because why not?  They turned out super delicious, like a PB and J in cookie form but with chocolate!  If you are in need of something sweet that is healthier than just eating a cookie, give these a try!

PB and J Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Makes 16

• 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
• 1/4 cup plant based vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut butter (not oil), warmed to liquid
• ½ cup gluten free organic rolled oats
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe's freeze dried raspberries
• 1/2 cup chopped vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the coconut butter, peanut butter, and dates together, and blend until smooth, then add to a bowl.
2. Add all other ingredients to the bowl, and mix until well distributed.
3. Roll into balls.
4. Set those on a parchment paper lined tray, and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.