Easy No-Bake Energy Bites

So I know this is a pretty trendy item right now and I jumped on that band wagon this past week.  And you know what I really liked them and so did the kids (probably more than me).

What I like about these is they satisfy my sweet tooth and they take no time at all to make.  So if you are busy and don't have a lot of time these are for you.  Plus you can modify the recipe as you like.  I was missing some ingredients from this list so I improvised!  I was missing - chia seeds (I used flax seeds instead), I also didn't have ground flax seed (I used graham cracker crumbs instead not nearly as healthy but it cleared out my last box in my pantry) and I didn't toast my coconut.  The kids loved making these with me, too!

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 flax seed
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Not my photo but mine looked just like this, really they did!!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
2. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
3. Makes about 20-25 balls.

These aren't school friendly but I did make a school-safe version with WOWBUTTER.  I would use another table spoon or two, I find the WOWBUTTER drier than Peanut butter but they taste great!.  We also added raisins.  I didn't add any coconut either but added a bit more oats and flax seed.  The kids love bringing these to school! Plus they love telling everyone that they made them too!