Cookie Balls

While Justin was on a business trip in Pennsylvania, he called with a lovely tale of visiting a small Amish store, purchasing aprons for the girls, homemade jam for me and something he called "fiber balls" for himself. He described them as oats, honey, peanut butter and raisins rolled together into balls. He said they were delicious. I've tried stuff like that before, and it got me thinking about why I've never tried to make them myself. I spent some time searching recipes online and found one I love. They are just delicious. Healthy enough to be called a snack, and delicious enough to feel like a treat. They are easily adaptable to your personal tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. Once rolled into balls, they store perfectly in the fridge where little and big fingers alike can find and delight in them.

These are the original proportions, which is a good size for trying them the first time. But once you know how you like them, I'd recommend quadrupling it :). They also freeze well once balled. Some of the steps may seem finicky, but please don't cheat them. Toast those coconut flakes. You won't regret it. You can do it by stirring them over medium heat in a saucepan on the stove until browned. Use good peanut butter - the kind with separated oil that you have to stir in. You won't regret this one bit. It tastes so much better than hydrogenated, sugar-added peanut butter. (Costco sells good, affordable real peanut butter in Kirkland and Adam's brand. Both are great.)

Cookie Balls

• 1 cup oats (like rolled, quick, or blended to a flour)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed (or wheat germ)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• (1/2 cup optional mixins like chocolate chips, cacao nibs, raisins, nuts, seeds, etc.)

Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed (my favorite method for a big batch is to use my mixer - put dry ingredients in first, mix, add wet ingredients, mix, done). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.