Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy Start to 2017!

With the start of 2017 many people are making resolutions for the year.  One of my resolutions is to share recipes that are fast, simple and with a delicious explanation point to brighten your day!

That being said…let’s have a Ball!  Really, let’s have a Protein Nutty Buttery Ball and Roll!!!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder (about 2 scoops)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or any type of seed/nut butter you prefer
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup  craisins or raisins or chocolate chips to your preference, maybe a little of each as long as it equals the correct amount
2-4 tablespoons of water

Makes 24 Servings that are approximately  1 1/2 tablespoons.

Instructions

Using either a blender or food processor grind/mill the rolled oats until you achieve the consistency you like either flour like or chunkier pieces.  Place the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon and raisins/craisins/chocolate chips ( be aware that if you add warmed liquid to the chocolate chips, it melts the chocolate giving the balls a candy like, yummy consistency) and toss all together in a bowl that is large enough you are able to knead/work with your hands.   In a separate sauce pan warm the honey and peanut butter together for easier mixing.  Stir in vanilla.  Add the warmed liquids to the dry and mix with a spatula.  At this point you may begin adding 2 tablespoons of water up to 4, one at a time until you reach a consistency where the mix will stick together.  I rolled these out warm and found that they stuck together better, but if you do not have time, refrigerate and roll at a later time.

Notes

I have found, a great way to achieve consistently sized and shaped balls is by using a cookie scoop, number 40 by Wilton which is approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons.

To make it more kid friendly, I leave out the vanilla whey protein and substitute 1/2 cup of very finely ground rolled oats and add an additional tablespoon of honey to sweeten adding the tablespoons of water slowly until the correct consistency is reached.  Mini chocolate chips for the kids is a big hit in our house.