No Bake Energy Bites

I have to tell you first and foremost…these little bites are addicting!  I got this recipe from someone at work a few weeks ago and now I want to make them all the time.   You know the Lays potato chip slogan, “Bet you can’t eat just one”?  Well, forget potato chips, I can’t eat just one of these bites!  I made my first batch and as soon as they were gone I made another batch.  I ran out again mid week and I had to cut myself off.  I decided to make more yesterday because they really are a nice post workout snack or mid morning snack.  No nutrition facts came with this recipe, but they have all natural ingredients and are naturally sweetened with honey so I know they are pretty good for you.  I capped myself at 2 per day…otherwise, my batch would probably only last 2 days!

These are very versatile and you can add many items.  I love peanut butter so I made the peanut butter and jelly version.  As I’ve already mentioned, I think these are amazeballs, but it’s not just me who thinks so.  Two of my friends tried them a couple weeks ago and agreed.  One even commented it tasted like cookie dough.  Yesterday, I had my husband and his friend taste test them as well.  They both really liked them, but thought they were a little difficult to eat without a glass of milk.  (That never crossed my mind because the thought of drinking a glass of milk makes my stomach turn)  Anyway, maybe eat them like a lady and don’t toss the entire ball into your mouth.  Make it a two biter and I have no problems with “sticky” peanut butter mouth.  Boys…I tell ya.  J

 

No Bake Energy Bites-Peanut Butter and Jelly

1 1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (I always buy and use the all natural)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground wheat germ

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients and place bowl in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.  Form into balls.  After forming into balls press your pinky finger in the center.  Place ¼ teaspoon strawberry jam in the indention.  Gently pinch the indention to seal the opening.  It wouldn’t be a PB&J if the jelly didn’t ooze out!  (Try to buy jelly with the most fruit content you can to avoid a bunch of added sugar)

A few notes…Josh doesn’t like coconut so I left that out and put in just a smidge more oatmeal.  Honestly, that could be why he thinks these are a little dry-coconut would add moisture.  I also didn’t have wheat germ so I put flax seed in because that’s what I had on hand.  I left a few plain without any jelly and those are very good as well.  If you are big on dessert and want to use this as a healthier option you could put some mini chocolate chips in.  Or, maybe go more for a granola bar type theme and add some almonds/pecans and dried cranberries.  Get creative!

All the ingredients mixed up



I used a cookie portioner to scoop them out




Once you have your ball, push your pinky in the center to make a small indention




Place a little jelly in it



Reshape/close up the ball.  There will be a little jelly still showing



Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Bites (with a few left plain)



And, just because it’s Monday I’ll share this version of the recipe with you too. (Also, because I have a certain follower who I know will want to try these.  You know who you are-let me know what you think!)  I have not tried this adaptation because I do not know if I will ever be able to purchase Nutella again.  Nutella takes me to a very bad place. I blame Nutella, Cheddar Jack Cheez-it’s and Husker Power (weight lifting) for my freshman year dorm meltdown in front of my mirror when my jeans were so tight around my thighs I thought I’d have to wear dresses for the rest of my life.  After that dramatic crying session I banned Nutella from being one of my food groups and quit cold turkey.  I just had it again for the first time a year and a half ago while in Vegas.  I waited eight years to take another bite of that deliciousness and let me tell you, that crepe at the Paris hotel was worth it!  Don't worry, I didn’t relapse, I just ate that one crepe, so I should probably allow it back into my life now that I understand what the word moderation means. I just can’t bring myself to buy a container of it.  Yet.  I’ll get there. I did some research and while Nutella does have a lot of sugar, which is what I try to avoid, it has all natural ingredients and very few ingredients so in small doses it fits my requirements for food I allow myself to eat.  Just remember, if you make this version of Energy Bites they aren’t as healthy/low sugar as the original or peanut butter and jelly ones so definitely treat this version as dessert.

No Bake Energy Bites-Chocolate Cranberry

2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup hazelnut spread (aka Nutella)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup ground wheat germ

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp vanilla

Follow same ingredients as PB&J recipe, but no filling is added.

Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta

I discovered my love for eggplant when I tried eggplant parmesan for the first time in college.  I still enjoy eggplant parmesan, but I also enjoy it when my pants fit.  So, I indulge in eggplant parmesan sparingly and then make this recipe ALL THE TIME.  I honestly can't remember where I saw this recipe.  I found it a year or so ago and we happened to be going to Kansas City that weekend and my mom and I made it.  We both LOVED it.  While it does have a lot of cheese, it still is much healthier than a battered and friend serving of eggplant parmesan smothered in sauce on top of noodles.  I grill this outside on the grill when Josh is eating chicken breasts or a burger and treat it like a main entree.  Then, I save the rest and eat it for lunch the next couple days.  These pictures are from when I made it for a friend coming over and I didn't want to light the grill in the 100 degree heat just for this so I used my indoor electric grill.  Works great either way!

Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta

1/4 C. shredded parmesan

3 T. lemon juice

2 T. minced basil

5 t. olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 t. minced oregano

1 large eggplant

tomato slices

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.  Grill eggplant, covered, over medium heat for 3 minutes (or until you can see grill marks).  Turn slices over and immediately spoon parmesan mixture evenly onto each piece.  Top with a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese.  Cover and grill 2-3 minutes longer.  (It is done when he eggplant is tender)

I always slice portions of the skin off the eggplant like many people do on cucumbers.  I like the flavor of eggplant peel, but if you don't do this I think it's too chewy.  I had a smaller eggplant from the farmer's market when I made this so I used that one as well.  And, how yummy do my farmer's market tomatoes look?!

Here is all the eggplant spread out on the grill.

This is the mixture you top the eggplant with.  I even had fresh basil from my mom's garden this time!

Topped with cheese and tomato slices.  I always use fresh mozzarella.  You can buy it very affordable at Aldi.  It is also much easier to slice thinly if you put it in the freezer for a little bit to get it nice and cold and then I use a serrated bread knife.  Even though the instructions say to put the cheese on top of the tomato I switch it up.  This time, my tomatoes were so pretty I wanted them on display. :)