In a medium to large bowl combine:
Ever look for something, not much, you just need a little something to lift you up in the middle or towards the end of your day? These will work – full of energy (and carbs), these bites will get you going and the whole grain oats and flax will sustain your energy for awhile. Easy to make, variable by your taste, and chock full of flavor, can’t beat the combination!
1 cup whole grain gluten-free oats (organic if possible)
1/2 cup ground flax
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules*
1/4 cup dried berries (small pieces work best but not powder)
1/4 cup carob chips (or chocolate if you can have them)
Mix to combine evenly. In a small bowl stir together:
1/2 cup tahini (slightly thick better than runny)**
1/4 cup honey, agave or coconut nectar, or maple syrup depending on taste
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the oat mixture and stir with a large fork to combine. Mixture will be slightly sticky but shouldn’t be too sticky. It should easily stick together when pressed into your hand. With DRY hands, form into roughly 1″ balls. I found I had to rinse off my hands every 2-3 balls to keep the mixture from sticking to me instead of itself! Should make 20-24 balls. Store in airtight container.
*I used 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules and after eating several of these bites, I’ve decided it was a little too much coffee – they taste a little bitter to me so depending on your love for coffee, add 1 or 2 tablespoons.
**I used tahini because of my nut allergy but feel free to use any seed or nut butter you like. But if you use a really thick butter, add a little water or liquid sweetener to it to thin it slightly. If your tahini is too thin, add a little more of the dry ingredients.
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