Something Sweet

Sometimes I just need something sweet.

Anything sweet will do, but extra bonus points if it is made with whole wheat, nuts, oatmeal AND chocolate.  And did I mention it takes less than 2 minutes to make.

Now that I have your attention, I give you....

No-bake (Vegan) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
makes about 20 1-inch balls

Ingredients

2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted cashews, almonds or a combination of the two (I prefer the combo)
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons natural cane sugar
1/4 cup whole wheat flour or wheat bran (I like a combination of the two)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or up to 1/2 teaspoon depending on how potent you like it!)
3-4 tablespoons agave nectar (I like Xagave raw organic agave)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (make sure to use vegan if you so desire, SunSpire makes some)

Combine 2/3 cup nuts and the rolled oats in a food-processor or mini food-chopper and process about 10 seconds or until it becomes the texture of fine crumbs.  Add the salt, sugar and flour and process another few seconds (a couple of pulses should do the trick).  Now add 3 tablespoons of the agave nectar, vanilla extract and cinnamon and process until well combined (it's gonna be sticky!).  Add up to 1 more tablespoon of the agave nectar if necessary and combine, you want the dough to hold together when pinched, not crumble everywhere.  Add in chocolate chips and remaining 2 tablespoons nuts and pulse a few more times - you just barely want to chop the nuts and the chocolate chips and get them mixed through the dough.  With slightly wet hands, form 1-inch balls from the dough.  Place onto a parchment-lined plate or tray and freeze.  Once frozen you can remove the balls from the tray and put into a freezer-safe ziploc bag or plastic container.    

Nutrition Info (per ball):  54 calories, 1 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein

Enjoy a few with a cup of tea in the afternoon....

Other ideas: 

• eat dough straight out of the food-processor bowl
• eat balls straight out of the freezer or refrigerator
• eat on top of One-Ingredient Banana "Ice Cream

And here's what I'm working on for dinner...

Any guesses??!  (Hint:  it is NOT ready for consumption!)


Question of the Day

What is your favorite mid-afternoon snack?

I love a cup of coffee or an apple with almond butter or my cinnamon almond butter dip!  YUM!