PB & J Energy Balls

Classic Flavour Combination with a Healthy Twist

Who doesn’t love the classic flavour combination of Peanut Butter and Jelly??  If you’re looking for a shout-out to your youth, with a more sophisticated and healthy twist, then look no further – I’ve got you covered with these PB & J Energy Balls.

One of my favourite treats as a kid (who am I kidding…I still crave this comfort food) was a good old fashioned PB&J sandwich.  These energy balls are a healthy, naturally sweetened, protein-rich snack that give a nod to your youth while recognizing that aging is about getting wiser and not just older!  

All-natural Ingredients = Smart Treat

Natural peanut butter – the no-sugar, no-salt type – adds a substantial hit of plant-based protein. The dates add a subtle sweetness and a hint of caramel, while also giving you a boost of fibre, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. Adding dried blueberries makes you wise – because they’re full of antioxidants and a great source of fibre, vitamins C and K, and manganese.  And they add a natural sweet to this energy snack…so what are you waiting for?

Quick and Easy Snack – What’s Not to Love?

These healthy energy bites are made using a food processor (read: no bowls to clean) and come together in about 10 minutes.  Who doesn’t love a quick and easy snack?  Once the ingredients are mixed together, it’s time for some rolling action.  If the dough seems a bit dry (this will depend on what brand of natural peanut butter you’re using), just pulse in a little water (a teaspoon at a time) until the dough sticks together when pinched.  

These wholesome ingredients come together to deliver a seriously nutritious and delicious snack.   Throw them in your purse for that ill-timed hangry moment or that waiting-in-line kid tantrum.  These are that good…

LET’S GET BAKING because these cookies are:

A NOD TO YOUR YOUTH!

HEALTHY!

PEANUTTY!

NUTRITIOUS!

SATISFYING!

PERFECTLY SWEET!

THE PERFECT ON-THE-GO SNACK!

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PB & J Energy Balls

Author: Maggie Frith

These PB &J Energy Balls are healthy, peanutty, and the perfect on-the-go snack! So grab your food processor and…Let’s Get Baking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (160 grams) Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) cashews
• 1/2 cup (65 grams) raw peanuts
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) natural peanut butter
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) kamut flakes (or other flaked oat)
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) dried blueberries
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Soak dates in hot water while preparing other ingredients. Drain before using.
2. Place cashews and peanuts in a food processor and process into a fine meal (30 to 60 seconds).
3. Add dates to food processor and process until finely chopped (30 to 60 seconds).
4. Add kamut flakes and pulse to combine.
5. Add peanut butter and salt, and pulse to combine.
6. Add dried blueberries and pulse until dough sticks together when pinched. Add up to 1 tablespoon of water and pulse until dough sticks together when pinched.
7. Scoop out rounded tablespoons and form into a ball.
8. Freeze for 30 minutes before snack, snack, snacking!

Notes

• Make sure you're using runny, natural peanut butter. The no sugar, no salt added kind. Depending on the brand of peanut butter you're using, you may need to add up to a tablespoon of water before forming the balls.
• If opting for another flaked oat, keep in mind that different oats have different weights. If using an oat other than kamut, use a measuring cup instead of a scale. 
• Wet your hands when shaping into balls to avoid a sticky situation.
• Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. But I can promise they won't last that long...