Cocoa Energy Bites

Hey guys! Today I'm going sharing one of my favorite snack recipes with you. These energy bites are delicious and good for you (a rare combo if you ask me). They are full of protein and fiber and have a chocolatey-granola bar taste. You can shape them into fun bite-sized balls like I did, or you could easily press the dough into granola bars. Plus, this recipe is totally customizable, so if you are allergic to or don't like a certain ingredient, or even if you want to add something else, then you can easily alter the recipe. Let's get started!

You will need:

- 1/2 cup ground flax seed

- 1 cup peanut butter

- 1/4 cup honey

- 2 cups rolled oats

- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips

- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

- 1/4 cup water

Note: A vegan version of this recipe can be made by excluding the chocolate chips (or using dairy -free chocolate chips) and using agave nectar or another sweetener instead of honey.

Put all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in your food processor* and mix thoroughly. The dough should be slightly damp and malleable. Add the chocolate chips in last and pulse until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you want the chocolate chips left whole, knead them in by hand in a separate bowl.

*If you don't have a food processor, you can mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon (only add one or two ingredients at a time).

Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls (as if you were making cookies) and place in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. I like to freeze mine because they hold their shape better that way. This recipe makes about 3 dozen energy bites. Enjoy! :)