I have a few thoughts regarding today's post.

First - I'm obsessed with making these peanut butter bites. As in, I've been making them every Monday for the week ahead and each morning I pack three or four in my bag for work. It's become a real problem. But on the flip side, I've been buying less RX Bars which are pricey, so maybe I am saving money?!

Second - I don't really measure this. Yes, I have a recipe below, but it's just a guideline for you. And yes, I've made these several times using the exact measurements in the recipe, but most of the time, I just scoop out the peanut butter with a large spoon and use that same spoon to add the chia seeds and coconut, just eye balling the amount. Mostly because it's faster this way and less "stuff" to get out in the kitchen. #reallife 

Third - This recipe is inspired by the peanut butter energy bites at our local, Kaldi's Coffee here in St. Louis (also locations in Atlanta, Columbia MO & Kansas City!). If you haven't tried them, you MUST. They are SO good. I found I was constantly craving their PB oatmeal bites. So making them myself is the next best thing to hold me over until my next visit... ;) 

Fourth - These are vegan & gluten free! So that just means even more people can enjoy them! Can't have peanuts? Use another nut butter, it'll work just fine. Don't have to make them vegan? Use honey instead of maple syrup if you'd like.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites

• 3/4 cup all-natural, drippy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

• 3/4 heaping cup of old-fashioned gluten-free rolled oats

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 TBSP. coconut oil

• 1-2 pinches of salt (omit if the PB is salted)

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. Add in the oats, chia seeds and coconut. Stir in the vanilla, coconut oil and salt.

2. Stir in the chocolate chips.

3. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the mixture onto a sheet and chill until firm. Store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These will keep a week or more.