Granola Energy Bites!

It's always so exciting when I can find a recipe that the whole family loves!  My boys are granola bar addicts, so I was so excited when I stumbled across this recipe on Pinterest!  There are so many ways that you can change it up to try different flavors...such a versatile and yummy "clean" recipe!

I make a triple batch every time I make these because they go so fast around here!  I hope you will find that your family enjoys them as much as mine does!!  A special thanks to Gimme Some Oven for the original recipe!

Now, for the important details...how to make these delicious little guys!

What you need:

• 1 Cup (dry) old-fashioned oats (or other oats of your choosing)
• 2/3 Cup toasted Coconut Flakes
• 1/2 Cup natural Peanut Butter (or other nut butter)
• 1/2 Cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 Cup dark chocolate chips (or you can mix it up with white chocolate chips for a different flavor...not quite as healthy of a choice, though...)
• 1/3 Cup honey
• 1 Tbs chia seeds (optional but seriously...these are my favorite part)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (have also made with caramel extract for a different flavor)

What to do:

1.  Start by toasting your coconut until it is golden brown.  I tend to do this on the stovetop, but it can also be done on a baking sheet in the oven.  Just be careful because it tends to toast quickly!

2.  Stir all ingredients together until mixed well.  I personal like to mix all dry ingredients up well first, then add the peanut butter, honey and vanilla, but that's just me.  Cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.  I prefer to let them refrigerate for a couple of hours, I tend to find that they are then easier to roll into balls.  

3.  Once they are chilled, I use a cookie scoop to scoop them out, then roll them into balls.  You can make them whatever size you want (mine are usually about 1" in diameter)...but it truly doesn't matter...sometimes we eat it by spoonfuls!  :)

4.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Enjoy!!