No-Bake Energy Bites
 Looking for a quick and healthy snack? This no-bake energy bites recipe is packed with oats, nuts, and peanut butter, making it perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, lunchboxes, or an afternoon pick-me-up! Ingredients 1 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender to break them up) ½ cup finely chopped pecans ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or wheat germ (okay to substitute more oats or nuts) ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Scant ½ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup finely chopped pitted dried dates, from 6 to 8 large dates ¼ cup honey ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup water ¾ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, for rolling 1 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender to break them up) ½ cup finely chopped pecans ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or wheat germ (okay to substitute more oats or nuts) ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Scant ½ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup finely chopped pitted dried dates, from 6 to 8 large dates ¼ cup honey ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup water ¾ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, for rolling Instructions Place the oats and nuts in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the oats turn slightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and stir in the flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Place the pan back on the stove over low heat. Add the peanut butter, dates, honey, vanilla, and water. Stir until evenly combined (you're not "cooking" the mixture; warming it just makes it easier to combine). Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the bowl with the oats/nuts. Stir until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Place the coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the oat mixture into tablespoon-size balls, then roll in the coconut to coat. Place the balls in the refrigerator, uncovered, to set until cold, a few hours (or about 45 minutes in the freezer). The bites will keep in a covered container for up to a week in the refrigerator. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The energy bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove them from the container and let them come to room temperature. Place the oats and nuts in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the oats turn slightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and stir in the flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Place the pan back on the stove over low heat. Add the peanut butter, dates, honey, vanilla, and water. Stir until evenly combined (you're not "cooking" the mixture; warming it just makes it easier to combine). Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the bowl with the oats/nuts. Stir until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Place the coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the oat mixture into tablespoon-size balls, then roll in the coconut to coat. Place the balls in the refrigerator, uncovered, to set until cold, a few hours (or about 45 minutes in the freezer). The bites will keep in a covered container for up to a week in the refrigerator. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The energy bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove them from the container and let them come to room temperature. Nutrition Information Powered by Serving size: 1 bite Calories: 87 Fat: 5 g Saturated fat: 2 g Carbohydrates: 8 g Sugar: 4 g Fiber: 2 g Protein: 2 g Sodium: 31 mg Cholesterol: 0 mg Serving size: 1 bite Calories: 87 Fat: 5 g Saturated fat: 2 g Carbohydrates: 8 g Sugar: 4 g Fiber: 2 g Protein: 2 g Sodium: 31 mg Cholesterol: 0 mg Gluten-Free Adaptable Note To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.