Chia Power Balls

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Howdy Howdy!!

How are you this beautiful Wednesday morning? Lovely I hope!

Yesterday, while sitting in class, I began to day dream about what yummy creation I could make with the peanut flour and chia seeds that were sitting in my living room. I picked up some chia seeds at Whole Foods 2 weeks ago and have been using them in everything from oatmeal to smoothies. They are delicious, and when mixed with water, they turn into a jelly paste which really bulks up your oatmeal. You feel like you are eating a huge bowl of oatmeal, but you really only added 60 extra calories with 1 tbsp of chia seeds.

Benefits of chia seeds:

  • Their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours!
  • They help keep your blood sugar balanced. Both the gelling action of the seed and the combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars which keeps your blood sugar balanced and prevents energy highs and lows.
  • Great Source of Omega-3s
  • The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you stay energized all day long!
  • Cut fat in baking by replacing half the butter with chia gel.
  • Chia seeds contain age-defying antioxidants.
  • Help cub cravings
For more information on chia seeds check out this website.

I am very excited to introduce you to Chia Power Balls! These little babies are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants!! Oh and they're delicious as well!


Ingredients:
3/4 cups whole oats (uncooked)
3 tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 cup raisins
7 pitted Majool Dates
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Peanut flour paste- 1/4 cup peanut flour + 1/4 cup water + 1/4 tsp salt (you can sub regular peanut butter)

First, pour oats into the food processor and pulse for a few seconds. Add chopped dates and pulse until thoroughly diced.


Mix peanut flour, water and salt together in a small bowl until it forms a paste.


Add the remaining ingredients to the food processors, including the peanut paste. Pulse until well mixed.



Roll mixture into balls and voila - healthy, energy packed deliciousness! I keep mine in a sealed container in the fridge. They are perfect for on the go snacks, or to satisfy late night sweet cravings. ;) I made 18 medium size balls out of this recipe.

Chia Power Balls

by Lauren George
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 0
Keywords: raw snack gluten-free

Ingredients (12 balls)
  • 3/4 cups whole oats (uncooked)
  • 3 tbsp. chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 7 pitted Majool Dates
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Peanut flour paste- 1/4 cup peanut flour + 1/4 cup water + 1/4 tsp salt (you can sub regular peanut butter)
Instructions
Pour oats into the food processor and pulse for a few seconds. Add chopped dates and pulse until thoroughly diced.
Mix peanut flour, water and salt together in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
Add the remaining ingredients to the food processors, including the peanut paste. Pulse until well mixed.
Roll mixture into balls and voila - healthy, energy packed deliciousness!
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I hope you love them as much as I do! Let me know if you make them.

Q's and A's:
Have you ever tried chia seeds?
What is your favorite way to use them?


In health,


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3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Chia Power Balls”

  1. I just made these with prunes instead of dates... They are awesome! My picky 3 year old loves them too! Thx!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just made this recipe and liked them. I am always looking for ways to remember to use my chia seeds.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How many per serving and how many calories per serving? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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