Peanut Butter Pop 'Ems

I stumbled across the original recipe on Pinterest.  The first time I made them, they came out sweet, and by sweet, I mean sweeeeeeeet.  Also, I wanted to modify the recipe by packing these little balls of goodness with power.  That's right, power.  So, each time you pop one, you'll get a burst of energy - sustained energy.

Now, I'm not going to lie.  These little pop 'ems are sooooo yummy, you'll just want to pop a few at a time.  I agree.  Hey, they are better than eating an over processed chocolate bar or power bar.  Even better, a whole batch is way cheaper.  So, pop 'em without guilt!

Oh, and you can throw one of these bombs into a banana power smoothie.  That's right.  Do it.  I dare you!

As always - enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup almonds

3 tablespoons ground flax seed and/or hemp seed

1/4 cup agave nectar

1/4-1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter

3/4 cup oats (I use certified gluten free)

2 tablespoons carob chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

optional:  coconut

Blend the walnuts and dates in a food processor on high speed (I use my Ninja blender) until you have chunky pieces.  Add almonds and carob chips and again, blend on high speed.  This mixture should be too fine, but instead pieces.  Add agave nectar, peanut butter, and vanilla.  Process the mix until combined.  Add the oats and again, process.  If you want, add a little coconut here - The Husband hates coconut, so I leave it out.  Otherwise, I'd be all over the coconut.  

Now, roll the mix into small, bite sized balls.  Yes, the mixture will stick to your hand.  If it's too sticky, add a bit more of the oats.  Here's another add coconut moment - you can roll the balls in coconut (oh yummmm).  When finished, store in the fridge.