A snack attack revisited.  It’s been a year since I posted the Oat & Nut Butter Energy Bites, and since then I’ve fine-tuned a few things.  First off, I threw out the coconut oil.  No need for oil when you have creamy almond butter.  Second, I lowered the maple syrup content.  They still taste great, but they’re not overly sweet.  I also added goji berries.  A tart little berry to balance out the dark chocolate.  Lastly, I spruced up the name…these are Spartan Energy Bites in honor of our Spartan Race today in the city.  So, there you have it.  Energy bites done right!

SPARTAN ENERGY BITES

Vegan, gluten free, peanut free, refined oil free

Recipe by Jentry Lee Hull adapted from Give Me Some Oven No-Bake Energy Bites

Yields 16-20 bites

INGREDIETNS

• ½ cup almond butter
• 3 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. ground flax meal
• 1 cup rolled oats (I used Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Oatmeal)
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. pink salt
• ¼ cup dairy free chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life semi-sweet Mini Chocolate Chips)
• ¼ cup goji berries, optional (but awesome!)

METHOD

• Warm almond butter and maple syrup in a large, microwave-safe bowl for about 15-20 seconds. Mix thoroughly.
• In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.
• Incorporate the dry mixture in with the wet, and stir with a spatula or spoon until well-mixed.
• The mixture should be sticky. If too dry, add more nut butter.  If too wet, add more oats.
• Once blended, scoop and form into 1-inch-sized balls. Place on a glass baking dish and cover.
• Cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
• Store in an air-tight container for up to a week in the refrigerator or in the freezer for a couple months.

Thrive on,

Coach Jentry