No Bake Energy Bites {recipe}

I made these specifically for my husband.  I'm always trying to find something quick and healthy that he can take with him in the mornings for breakfast during the week.  I just recently made these and he loves them.. as do I... and Clara.. so I'm sure I'll be making these on a somewhat regular basis.  They're very similar to a no-bake cookie, obviously, except without all the butter and sugar.  I'd eat these any time... breakfast, snack, dessert.. they still have chocolate in them, so I'm happy.  ;)

They're small and easy to take with you anywhere.  Hiking, camping... out and about, in a lunch box.. I'm excited to try different varieties of these.  And I also have a few other quick and healthy breakfast recipes coming up in some near-future posts.  So while you're waiting for those, you should try there energy bites out!  Your kids will have fun helping you make them too.. I know Clara loves 'helping' me in the kitchen!  :)

No Bake Energy Bites
adapted from Hello Giggles

• 1 cup oats (quick-cooking or old fashioned)
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix everything in a large bowl.  Refrigerate 30 minutes or so.  Roll in balls and store in fridge for up to a week.  Makes 20-25 one-inch balls.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can substitute almost anything to adjust it to your needs.  If you like coconut (we don't), add in some coconut flakes.  You can substitute the peanut butter for your favorite nut butter such as almond butter, etc.  Instead of the chocolate chips you could add dried fruit, sunflower seeds (or any nut), or any other type of chip (white chocolate, butterscotch, etc).  Oh, and we love flaxseed... I always put it in our oatmeal or cereal.  ;)