Mega Protein Bites

Okay, I'll admit it:  I really like chocolate.  Dark, slightly bitter, rich, melt in your mouth goodness!  It is my "go to" sweet treat after dinner that prevents me from snacking throughout the evening...no joke!  I even have my husband, who is a self-proclaimed "I'm not a sweets kinda-guy" eating the stuff.  Secretly he has heard my health rants about dark chocolate for years and has jumped on the anti-oxidant band wagon.

This recipe is perfect for those of you looking for a little treat during the day or a boost of energy before your workout.  It is full of heart healthy flavanoids (found in the chocolate), monounsaturated fats (found in the almonds) and so many other great things...but I will stop here about the health benefits and get to this super delicious recipe that I hope you will love.

I originally received this recipe from a friend who couldn't say enough great things about this nutrient rich snack.  Over time, trial & much testing it has evolved into these perfect bite sized treats that are too good not to share with you.

For this recipe a food processor will be your best friend.  I have tried to make them in the blender but the ingredients usually get clumped up at the base and is more hassle than anything.  So just find yourself one.

As for the details, I used vanilla whey isolate protein powder, but feel free to use plain brown rice protein powder, pea protein or anything that you have available at home.  Chocolate protein powder would be great in this recipe as well.  If you don't have a mini muffin pan, this recipe fits perfectly into a square 9 x 9 pan, just line it with parchment and cut them after they are cooled or else you will have a major mess on your hands.

This recipe could be easily modified to suit your dietary needs or your pantry selection as long as you keep the consistency of the mixture the same it works out just fine.

Here are some to consider:

• Flax Seeds:  hemp or chia would be great
• Almond Butter:  peanut, cashew, any nut butter would be great
• Raw Cocoa Nibs:  dried, unsweetened fruit (just make sure to chop it really small before you add it)
• Protein Powder:  hemp, pea, brown rice, the list goes on.
  

These bites didn't last for long in our house but just know they are a great staple to keep in your freezer for a quick snack or an addition to your weekly lunch.  I say this as I begin to think about getting back into the routine of packing my lunch and working out "after" my day instead of before...eeek!!!!

Recipe:  Mega Protein Bites

Love from the Ov,

Sara