Cherry Chocolate Chip Chia Energy Bites
With social isolation in full effect due to the COVID-19 virus, I’m finding myself indoors more than I prefer to be. While I prioritize getting fresh air everyday either via going for a run or walk (even if it is just to the mailbox!), when I am indoors I often find myself wandering into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator or pantry more than usual. Anyone else catching themselves doing this too?
Even though it’s tempting to open my favorite snack or nibble on leftovers until I reach the bottom of the dish, I quickly learned that during “shelter in place” it was going to be important I prepare healthy food options so I was setting myself up for nutrition success each day.
Enter the Cherry Chocolate Chip Chia Energy Bite (say that 5 times fast - ha!)
I was first introduced to these delicious snack size bites while backcountry skiing with Backcountry Bliss during Winter 2019. Not only are these bites delicious but they are packed with nutrients that quickly fill me up and provide energy to last a few hours. Two other bonuses is that they do not require any baking and they are the perfect size to bring with you anywhere.
Enjoy the recipe and wishing you all a healthy and safe Spring!
Love,
Abby
PS: If you tend to get food stuck in your teeth like me, I reccomend keeping floss close as the chia seeds tend to find every nook and cranny in your mouth.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Chia Energy Bites
Yields ~14 energy bites depending upon the size you roll
DRY INGREDIENTS
½ cup dried cherries, chopped
¼ cup chocolate chips (mini and regular)
¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats
½ cup unsweetened coconut, shreds or flakes
¼ cup chia seeds
WET INGREDIENTS
¾ cup natural, unsalted creamy almond butter (can substitute with peanut butter if you prefer)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
OPTIONAL TOPPING
1 tablespoon dried cherries, chopped
1 tablespoon chocolate chips (mini and regular)
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients: cherries, chocolate chips, oats, coconut and chia seeds.
Add almond butter and maple syrup. Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, stir and fold together until evenly mixed.
Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixture into your hands. Roll and press into bites.
Optionally, press cherries and chocolate chips into bites.
Enjoy!
Store in refrigerator.
