Food Made Fresh: Peanut butter-granola balls a treat that provides nutrition and energy
Feed me anything with peanut butter and oats and I'll be a happy camper. These chewy granola balls, if you will, are a combo of these two ingredients at their best.
I’ve made many power balls packed with protein over the last couple of years, but this one is a bit decadent. However, nut butters and grains give us protein and fiber. And while these are a treat, they provide our bodies nutrition and energy.
The mixture that holds the granola balls together is cooked on the stovetop. The other ingredients are stirred into it, and no baking is required.
These chewy granola balls are great for an afternoon snack, part of a balanced breakfast, or even a sweet treat after dinner.
For a little decadence with the power of nut butter, try Peanut Butter-Oat Granola Balls. Almond butter, cashew butter or sun butter may be used in place of peanut butter.
And experiment with the cereals you add in with the oats. Pack in even more nutrition with the addition of chia or flax seeds.
Enjoy food made fresh!
Peanut Butter-Oat Granola Balls
1 stick plant-based butter, or dairy butter
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup plant milk, or dairy milk
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
2 cups whole rolled oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup puffed millet, crispy rice cereal, or puffed wheat
1 to 2 tablespoons chia or flax seeds, optional
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add maple syrup and milk and stir to combine. Add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla until incorporated. Cook on medium to medium-low until the mixture reaches a low boil, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add oats, and 1 cup puffed millet or other cereal such as crispy rice cereal, and stir until coated and combined.
Let mixture cool, (place in the refrigerator to speed the process if desired). Lightly coat a pan or plate with butter. Roll rounded tablespoons of mixture into balls and place onto the prepared pan or plate. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container or covered with plastic wrap. Makes 18.
ANGELINA LARUE is a food writer, recipe developer and author of “The Whole Enchilada Fresh and Nutritious Southwestern Cuisine.”
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Food Made Fresh: Peanut butter-granola balls a treat that provides nutrition and energy
