Tag: gluten-free snacks

Recipes and Cooking

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bites

Brandi C

These Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bites are so easy to make.  I do, now, make them without any chocolate.  They taste good with or without it.  We just choose to eliminate as much sugar as possible.  The honey makes it plenty sweet enough.  These are great little energy bites (or protein bites).  I keep them in the fridge.  Rarely do I drizzle them with chocolate due to the mess.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bites

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bites

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both nutritious and satisfying, these Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bites are a perfect option! They’re easy to make, delicious, and packed with healthy ingredients. Drizzled with dark chocolate for an extra indulgence, these bites are sure to become a family favorite. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)

  • 1/2 cup flax

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • Dark chocolate chips (for drizzling or dredging)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Oats: To make the oats finer and have a smoother consistency, pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds.

  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, add the processed oats, flax, and honey. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

  3. Form the Balls: Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a piece of waxed paper.

  4. Flash Freeze: Place the balls in the freezer for about 5 minutes to firm up.

  5. Drizzle or Dredge with Chocolate: For a chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate chips by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave in small intervals, stirring after each one to prevent burning. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the chilled bites. Alternatively, you can dredge the balls in the melted chocolate.

  6. Flash Freeze Again: After adding the chocolate, flash freeze the bites for another 5 minutes to set the chocolate.

  7. Store: Once the chocolate has hardened, place the bites in a baggie or airtight container and freeze until you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips:

  • If you prefer, you can add chocolate chips directly to the mixture instead of drizzling the chocolate on top. However, I prefer to avoid too much sugar, and frozen chocolate chips can be tough on teeth.

  • These bites make a great snack, pre-workout energy boost, or sweet treat without any gluten!

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Recipes and Cooking

Gluten-Free Larabar Bites

Brandi C

Gluten-Free Larabar Bites

Gluten-Free Larabar Bites

Gluten-Free Larabar Bites

Inspired by the simple yet delicious Larabar, I decided to make a homemade version that’s gluten-free and easy to snack on. These bites pack natural ingredients and offer a quick energy boost. The best part? They’re easy to make, and by turning them into bite-sized balls, they’re easier to hold and enjoy! Here’s how to make these tasty treats:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups plain cashews (you can also use almonds if preferred)

  • 1 cup chopped dates

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • Chocolate chips (melted, with a couple of tablespoons of water; dairy-free options available)

Instructions:

  1. Process the Dates: Put the chopped dates into your food processor and pulse them until they break down into small pieces. Transfer the dates to a bowl.

  2. Process the Cashews: Add the cashews and salt to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the processed cashews to the bowl with the dates, and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined.

  4. Form the Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a piece of wax paper.

  5. Flash Freeze: Freeze the balls for about 5 minutes to firm them up.

  6. Add Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water. Once melted, roll the bites in the chocolate to coat them.

  7. Flash Freeze Again: Return the chocolate-covered bites to the freezer for another 5 minutes to set the chocolate.

  8. Store: Transfer the bites to a baggie or airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Let them sit out for a minute before enjoying so they’re easier to bite into.

Tips:

  • These bites make a great snack for anyone needing a quick, healthy energy boost. They’re simple to make and pack a lot of flavor!

  • Store them in the refrigerator for a week or freeze them for longer storage.

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Recipes and Cooking

Larabar Bite Knock Off Recipe

Brandi C

Larabar Bite Knock Off Recipe

Larabar Bite Knock-Off Recipe

Here is my Larabar Bite Knock Off Recipe that I make pretty often. We were first introduced to the Larabar at my sister’s house. My mom, aunt, H, and I traveled home from St. Augustine last year. Thankfully, my sister lives 1/2 away, so we could stop and regroup.

Because she loves me, she had a coke, cookies, and chocolate! This is against her norm. She struggles with some food allergies. Over time, she has chosen to stay away from her food triggers. I don’t share her discipline, so she indulged in giving me comfort things.

I tell you, she loves me like that.

She gave me this Larabar thing, and I had no idea what it tasted like, but I tried it. It looked like a chocolate-covered granola bar. Frankly, I am down with that. I ate it, and I liked it. Then, she snickered and told me that it was chopped up cashews and dates and had some chocolate surrounding it.

Dates, well, they make me catch vomit in my lower throat area, LOL. Not my jam. These, however, were yummy! As I tasted it again and let H try it, my mind began to wander.

Did You Know?

Cashews are a natural anti-depressant food. Dates are good for you. Cashews contain protein which is good brain food. It seemed straightforward enough, so I thought to myself and set out to recreate this phenom.

Larabar’s are expensive unless you have a coupon, are richer than me, or are on sale. We are always trying to save money, so my wheels were turning again. I got home and went to the store and bought some unsalted or lightly salted cashews and a bag of whole, pitted dates.

Mind Over Matter

There, they sat in my pantry for a couple of weeks because I thought, “I don’t like dates.” So stupid, LOL. Finally, I girded up my loins and whipped out my food processor. I poured the canister of cashews and the whole bag of dates in there and chopped and ground it down.

The Process

Next, I got some waxed paper and laid it out. I made 24 little balls out of the mixture. I set them on the waxed paper until I was all done. The first time I made these, I melted down some chocolate chips and water to where it was really thin. I used a spoon, rolled each ball in it, and then put it on a cookie sheet. I threw it in the fridge so it would harden the chocolate.

The Mess

That worked beautifully and tasted just like the real thing. The downside was that H made a huge mess out of it. Chocolate was everywhere. This time, I do not roll it in chocolate. I just let it sit for a couple of minutes and then put it in a container. This container goes straight to the fridge, and when H is melting, I get one or two out.

Being Wild

If you are super wild, you can throw in a teaspoon of salt and a capful of vanilla. Alas, I’m not that ambitious. I’m all about having two good ingredient recipes, proteins, and help with brain function.

 

 

Recipes and Cooking

Peanut Butter/Honey/Oat/Chocolate Ball

Brandi C

Peanut Butter/Honey/Oat/Chocolate Ball

Peanut Butter/Honey/Oat/Chocolate Ball

This Peanut Butter/Honey/Oat/Chocolate Ball recipe is so good, and it is excellent (and easy).  I take this to parties because it is simple and mess-free (eating-wise).  Healthy eating never tasted so freaking good!

For Your Information

This is a great way to get protein into your kid when they are having a “moment.”  FYI…when your child is melting, get them to drink some water and have a protein snack.  Their brains need the extra stuff to get back on track and to control those emotions.  **This goes for adults as well.**

I have always known that little tidbit, but I don’t think about it at the moment of hysteria.  Seriously, your kid is having a come apart, and you are supposed to remember to say, “Sally, you are crying and hysterical.  Let’s get a Slim Jim down the hatch with a cup of ice water and then you will be fine.”  LOL

Recipe

1 c. oats

1/2 c. chocolate chips (I buy the large Kroger brand gluten-free chips)

Peanut butter, 1/2 c. (gluten-free Kroger brand)

Ground flaxseed, 1/2 c.

1/3 c. honey

Directions

Mix in a large bowl.  Put in the fridge to chill.  Roll into balls.  Then, you can thank me.  Or, you can slap yo’ mama cause they are slap-worthy good.

These Peanut Butter/Honey/Oat/Chocolate Balls are a total game-changer. They’re perfect for a quick snack or for packing in a lunchbox for the kiddos. The best part? They’re no-bake and super simple to make! You mix everything together in a bowl, chill, roll them into balls, and you’re done! It’s one of those recipes that you can prep in minutes and enjoy for days. The combination of peanut butter, honey, oats, and chocolate hits all the right spots—sweet, salty, and satisfying. Plus, these energy-packed bites are great for those moments when you need a little extra fuel. I love knowing that it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought treats, and it’s easy to make ahead, so I always have a snack ready when hunger strikes. Keep these on hand, and you’ll never be far from a delicious pick-me-up.

Servings:  about 20

Calories:  120