Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites

I'm really addicted to Luna bars, specifically of the chocolate peppermint stick variety. However, these Luna bars run about $1/bar, which adds up in the household budget, especially since only I enjoy them (although Will sneaks in a few bites of these "women's" bars occasionally). They are definitely worth the price, but we figured we should try to find a flavorful protein snack that both of us can enjoy and snack on before heading off to the gym. Will did some research and ended up finding these energy snacks on a recommendation from Budget Bytes Facebook page. Since they were no bake and the only ingredients we didn't have on hand were the nut butter and shredded coconut, we figured it might be worth a shot.

I'm still not convinced that these little bites really give us the energy and protein we need before a good workout, but they are at least be a tasty little treat and a good substitute for my Luna bars. I'm still searching for a decent recipe to copycat those, though! These also make a good snack or a quick bite of something before running out the door in the morning.

Cooking Notes: For the nut butter, we typically use a dark chocolate and peanut mix that we churned out ourselves at Earthfare. I also recommend getting smaller shredded coconut-we have made these with large pieces and smaller pieces and the smaller definitely clump better. We also add Trader Joe's Vanilla Protein Powder, just to give these little guys an extra boost of energy/protein. Careful not to add too much though-it can dry out the recipe really easily. And my last recommendation is to keep them in the fridge-otherwise they get a little too gooey!!

Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites (adapted from Food Doodles; about 18-24 balls)
1/2 cup nut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup shredded coconut
2 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 scoop Trader Joe's Vanilla Protein Powder

In a medium pot over low heat, warm nut butter and honey until warm and liquified. Take off heat and mix in cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. When combined, mix in the oats, coconut, and chocolate chips. Chill in fridge and scoop into bite sized balls using your hands or a spoon. Store in the fridge.

Recipe: Food Doodles: Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites