Brownie Protein Balls:
Makes about 20-25 balls
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of nut or seed butter of your choice
- ¼ cup of maple syrup
- 10 dates, pitted
- 2 cups of oats
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of protein powder (I used chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- ¼ cup of milk
- ¼-½ cup of chocolate chips
Directions:
- Place the dates into the food processor and blitz them together until they form a paste.
- Place the rest of the ingredients gradually into the food processor. Blitz together on low speed until well combined. If the mixture is not holding together, add in a few extra tablespoons of milk until it reaches a sticky consistency and holds together well for rolling into balls.
- Place the mixture into a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips until its all evenly distributed.
- Roll into about tablespoon-sized balls. Line a tupperware container with parchment paper layers and lay the protein balls on it.
- Refrigerate the balls for about an hour before enjoying.
Honey Cookies:
Makes about 36 cookies
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of orange juice
- ¾ cup of honey
- Juice from half a lemon or about ⅛ cup
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3 ½ cup of flour
- Pinch of cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of cardamom
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, lemon juice and lemon zest until well combined. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil, whisking as you go.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the baking soda, baking powder, flour, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until it’s all combined. Be careful to not overmix, as the dough can become tough.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature in a dry place, placing a clean dish towel over the bowl.
- Roll into about tablespoon-sized balls and place directly onto the baking sheet, an inch apart. Pat down each ball a bit before baking.
- Bake for about 12-14 minutes, until golden brown at the edges.
- Let them cool for about 10 minutes before you enjoy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of oats
- ¼ cup of almond flour
- ¼ cup of vanilla protein powder of your choice
- ½ cup of maple syrup
- 1 cup of peanut butter, or another nut/seed butter of your choice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Directions:
- In a large bowl, add the oats, almond flour and vanilla protein powder to the bowl, gently stirring to combine.
- Add in the maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and pat the mixture down until even across the pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each one, until it’s all melted together. Pour the mixture over the top of the oat mixture evenly.
- Freeze for about one hour and cut into squares to enjoy.
Homemade Nut Butter:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of raw nuts of your choice (I used almonds, pistachios and walnuts)
Optional ingredients to add:
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Vanilla extract to taste (I recommend about 2 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds or chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon, cardamom or a spice of your choice
- 1 cup of chocolate chips, melted
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the nuts on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10 minutes or until fragrant.
- Allow the nuts to cool down for a few minutes and then place half of the nuts into a food processor. Process the nuts on low to high speed until they form a runny paste, about ten minutes, scraping the sides every few minutes or when the mixture gets stuck. Halfway through, add in the other half of the nuts.
- After the nuts form a runny paste, add in any ingredients of your choice and allow the ingredients to be fully incorporated.
- Once the nut butter reaches your desired consistency, enjoy in a smoothie, on toast, in oatmeal or place into a jar in your fridge for later.
