Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chia Bites

If you spend any time on these vast internets searching for recipes (which you probably do since you're reading this blog), you may have noticed the trend in bite-sized snacks. There are the sweeter types like cake balls/cake pops and cookie dough balls as well as healthier versions like raw energy balls. I've been wanting to create my own version for quite a while, and I finally got around to experimenting. 

My version has the typical granola bar-type ingredients- oats, peanut butter, honey and chocolate chips- but also includes something a little different. 

Have you heard of chia seeds?

 I know you've at least heard of Chia Pets, so let's start there. Yes, chia seeds are the same seeds that sprout like magic on those crazy old planters. But what you might not know is that they are the latest trendy ingredient in the health food world. The seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, full of fiber and contain a variety of essential minerals. They are comparable to flax or sesame seeds and are especially popular in the world of gluten-free baking (you can make a slurry of chia seeds and water that acts as an egg replacer). 

 The folks at Bob's Red Mill just started carrying chia seeds and were kind enough to send me some to experiment with. I tried two variations of these energy bites- the recipe you see here and a second version using dates and coconut as the base (similar to a Larabar). The coconut version did not set up as well as I'd hoped and didn't taste nearly as delicious as these bites do. I really love the way this recipe turned out.

 I hope you'll give these little bites a try. They have just the right amount of sweetness to be considered a treat and enough healthy ingredients to make you feel good about eating them. I would especially recommend them for pregnant, nursing or just plain busy mamas- they give you a great boost of energy and will satisfy your hunger on the craziest of days. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chia Bites
by Oven Love

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Chia Seeds

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more. Remove them from the fridge, use a small cookie scoop to create uniform portions and roll into balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Makes about 4 dozen bites.