Peanut Butter Balls

 Recently I have lowered my sugar intake because of some health reasons I have been having. I am addicted to sugar, mostly chocolate and ice cream. When I eat it I go to my happy place and with so much going on, I have been going to my happy place way too much lately. So, I didn't totally give it up but cut down a lot. Well, with any addiction you want it all the time. So when I want a treat I have one of my new favorite Peanut Butter Balls. Thanks to my SIL for sharing this recipe with me. Now I will share it with you.

• 2 cups dry oatmeal(old fashioned)
• 2 cups coconut flakes(I got the unsweetened kind at Good Earth)
• 1 cup chocolate chips( I put in mini chips so it wouldn't be so much sugar)
• 1 cup ground flax seed or chia or unhulled sesame
• 1 cup raisins or craisins (dried cranberries) (I used chopped dates)
• zest from 1 orange (I didn't use this)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2/3 cup honey (I used less honey)
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all dry ingredients together in a big bowl. Mix peanut butter honey and vanilla together in a smaller bowl and then mix into dry ingredients. Let chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll into 1" balls and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week. I store mine in the freezer and just take out what I need. Makes about 40 balls. The recipe is very versatile. You can use any kind of nut or dried fruit or chips. You can also substitute wheat germ for the seeds. Give it a whirl and experiment with what you like.

 

 I also think this would be a good granola on homemade yogurt. I am getting together with a friend of mine to learn how to make yogurt soon. She makes the BEST yogurt. Yum!