No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Measure the dry ingredients (oats and chocolate chips) in a medium-size bowl. This will prevent the add-in from sticking to the same a measuring cup the peanut butter is measured in. Next, add peanut butter and honey. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Using a 1-tablespoon-size cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop up 12 portions and shape into round balls with your hands. Store in an air-tight container or zip-top bag until ready to eat. (At least 30 minutes for best texture, although they are ready to eat immediately.)

-Kathleen Phillips “This easy recipe makes an even dozen protein-packed, bite-size snacks. No baking involved and the protein from peanut butter and carbohydrates from quick oats provides just the right amount of energy after a workout, after school snack, or mid-morning pick-me-up.” Phillips is a food stylist, recipe developer, cookbook author, and event planner loving life in Gardendale, Ala. Drawing upon years of experience as the test kitchen director at Oxmoor House, she takes traditional Southern recipes and makes them with a shortcut to get you in and out of the kitchen. Visit www.gritsandgouda.com for more of her delicious recipes. Kathleen is hosting a Shortcut Lunch Ideas for Back to School on August 9.