Chocolate chip energy balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500 mL) whole grain quick oats
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• ½ cup (125 mL) natural peanut butter
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) chocolate or vanilla protein powder
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, blend the oats until oat flour forms and set aside.
2. Combine olive oil, peanut butter and vanilla in a medium sized bowl. Add processed oats, protein powder and chocolate chips; mix to form uniform dough.
3. Form the dough into small energy balls, about 1 Tbsp (15 ml) each; makes 18 balls.

• Cooking know-how: These energy balls freeze well, make a batch and store any extras in the freezer to enjoy later.
• Nutrition know-how: Pair these energy balls with a serving of high fibre fruit for a nutrient dense, high fibre snack that will sustain you between meals.