Peanut Butter Energy Bites

So, Tim and I are soon going to be hiking/backpacking/camping experts. Actually with the amount of reading Tim has been doing I’m pretty sure he already is an expert even though we haven’t had a chance to practice much.

We live in the cold north and winter/snow camping is not yet on my radar as a “fun” thing to do. Until spring rolls around, reading about it and trying out hiker friendly meals is as good as it gets.

If you’re wandering through the woods with a 30-40lb backpack you tend to burn a lot of calories. Trail food has to be quick and easy and calorie dense. (Or so I’ve read) I don’t fear that Tim and I will waste away to nothing after a few days but I do love a reason to eat fun snacks.

I fear being eaten by bears, though, which is why this delicious smelling treat will be sealed very well in some bear-proof containers. (Is anything really bear-proof? I doubt it.)

I have been making something similar to this for years. Never on this big of a scale though. Usually just little bits stirred up in a bowl and eaten with a spoon right then and there. Often times if I crave sweets in the evening, chocolate and/or peanut butter play a large role in the craving.

I think it stems back to making/eating edible pb play dough as a kid. Anyone else remember this gross phenomenon? It was pb and honey and dried milk powder all stirred together to make a dough. We would then play with it like play dough until our hands were greasy and the dough was crumbly and (I’m sure) full of all the dirt that might have been caked on our little hands. Then we would eat it. Makes me cringe now to think about.

I decided this would make a nice little treat if I made them up in advance. Easy to grab when I am starving or running out the door without breakfast or lunch. It will also work when we camp because it requires no refrigeration. Plus, if I get bored while hiking I can play with it. 😉 (I did stick this batch in a sealed container and stashed it in the fridge since I am just enjoying them at home for now.)

Another idea for you — I think they would be wonderful dipped in chocolate like a buckeye ball for the holidays, too. Or you could roll them in cocoa powder and make them truffle-like.

This recipe made about 16 balls. Each one is about 3 or 4 bites. They have a great crunchy texture from the chocolate chips and flax. And they are sweet and peanut buttery!

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

1 cup peanut butter (I use creamy)

1/4 cup honey

1 cup oatmeal (old fashioned or quick cooking-both work)

1/4 cup shredded coconut

2 Tbsp flax seeds

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Stir peanut butter and honey together. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to get everything combined. Scoop by heaping tablespoonful and roll into balls with clean hands.

*Optional–You could roll the balls in shredded coconut or chopped peanuts or even cocoa powder if desired.

Makes 15-18.