Granola Bites

Little was the only one home with me this morning and she loved not having to fight over the stool or take turns pouring and mixing.  I wanted to make a recipe I have made in the past to help out with our after-school snack situation.  The girls come home hungry and either want granola bars, Clif bars, or something like that (which I'd rather save for their lunch bags) or they want a bowl of cereal or a bagel.  It's not awful, although my first choice would be that they have a glass of milk and a piece of fruit, but I wanted something that wouldn't fill them up too much before dinner (like a whole bagel) and something with some protein.  These are pretty sweet so I sold them as "cookies."

There are a few different versions of this recipe floating around online but I like the proportions in this one (link to original under the recipe below).  I've used almond butter or natural unsweetened peanut butter in the past but today all I had was Jiff - a bit sweeter so I reduced the honey slightly.  If you're gluten free, just make sure you're using gf oats.

The girls liked them as a snack today but they're not great to transport (in a baggie in a lunch bag, they turn into granola).  While Little loved helping me mix them, she took one bite and said "no wike it."  In general she's not a chocolate fan (!?!?!) but I think the texture of the coconut might be what she really didn't like.

Granola Bites (makes about 20)

From Smashed Peas and Carrots

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup coconut flakes (preferable unsweetened)

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix everything together in a medium bowl until fully incorporated.  Chill in the refrigerator for about a half hour.  Roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.  Will keep for about 1 week (if they last that long!).