Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites

Cross country season is back on for my youngest son and with the addition of his fellow athletes in the house most of the time, keeping a stash of healthy snacks around is almost a full time job. I am constantly trying to keep quick fuel on hand for when the runners’ munchies hit. Speaking of healthy fuel, have you heard about the new protein powders from Bob’s Red Mill? I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am for the dairy and soy free powders! Not only are they high in clean plant-based protein, but they supply an incredible amount of omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics. On top of all of that, they taste amazing and come in so many different flavors! That makes this recipe incredibly versatile when it comes to flavor combinations! While the protein powders make incredible smoothies, I like using them in my treats, as well. My kids will grab healthy snacks regularly, but just like everyone else, they crave sweet treats, too. So, I like adding in some healthy ingredients to our sweet treats. These chocolate dipped peanut butter bites are perfect for a quick sweet treat while also giving us some healthy fuel. These are easy to make in large batches and they freeze well, too, so you can keep an extra stash. I mean seriously, who can resist combination of chocolate and peanut butter?

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Bites

Makes 37

• 2 Tbsp Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal
• 6 Tbsp Warm Water plus 6 Tbsp Warm Water
• 3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Brown Rice Flour
• 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Oat Flour
• 1/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp Guar Gum
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter
• 15 drops Vanilla Stevia
• 1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 oz Dairy Free Dark Chocolate

In a small bowl, combine the flax meal and 6 tablespoons warm water; allow to sit for 5 minutes. Combine the brown rice flour, oat flour, protein powder, brown sugar, guar gum, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. When completely combined, add the flax gel, peanut butter, stevia, apple cider vinegar and warm water. Mix well to combine. Using a tablespoon, scoop and roll the dough into balls. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the oven is preheated, bake the dough balls 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before dipping in the melted chocolate. Place the chocolate in a microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute and stir. Heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed and stir. Continue to heat at 30 second intervals until melted. Dip the bottoms of the peanut butter balls in the chocolate and place on a pan lined with piece of wax paper to cool. Place the pan in the fridge until the chocolate has hardened.

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Sarena Shasteen has been an avid health food and fitness enthusiast from an early age. She holds a degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Atlanta, a certification in Fitness Nutrition, and is a certified Fitness Trainer from International Sport Science Association (ISSA). Becoming a Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition has been a lifelong goal of hers. Sarena enjoys helping others reach their health goals by teaching them that health and fitness are not only achieved in the gym, but also through fun everyday activities. Now a food writer, recipe developer, personal chef, Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, she enjoys sharing with others that healthy living can be fun and delicious. Keep up with her at The-Non Dairy Queen and on Facebook and Twitter.