Energy balls with peanut butter and oats

January is often a month when many try to eat a little less sugar. Might even be someone’s New Year’s resolution? But then 3 pm comes, energy levels start to drop and you find yourself rooting through the cupboard, or your secret door at your desk, for something sweet. And then you remember that you’ve promised yourself not to eat so many biscuits.. for those situations these energy balls are the ideal snack. And they’re very easy to make too.

You’ll need the following for 12 energy balls

1 cup / 100 grams of porridge oats

3/4 cup / 190 grams of crunchy peanut butter (use good quality, so the one that contains 100% peanuts)

3 tbsp of desiccated coconut

A few drops of vanilla extract

If you want more sweetness you can add a little bit of maple syrup or honey

100 grams of dark cooking chocolate

1 tbsp of salted peanuts (optional)

Just mix all ingredients in a bowl. If you find it’s too dry, you can add some more peanut butter.

Roll the mixture into 12 balls. You can of course make them bigger or smaller if you want.

Place the balls on a tray with baking paper. Leave in the fridge to set for about an hour, or longer.

Chop the peanuts if using. Melt the chocolate in the microwave, for about 15 seconds at a time until all is melted. Keep checking to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn.

Roll each peanut ball in the chocolate using a spoon. Place it back on the tray and sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top. Return to the fridge until chocolate has hardened. Then place in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.

I like to take them out about 15 min before eating so that they are not too cold when eating them. The ideal afternoon snack:)