Have you made energy bites before? This was my first time making them and I can't believe I waited this long! They are healthy, satisfy my sweet tooth and the ingredients are right here in my kitchen. Most of the recipes I came across used dates, I was pretty sure that raisins would make a decent substitute and my hunch was correct. If you don't care for the texture of raisins, no worries, I am breaking them up in the food processor. You have two options here, one just nut butter and one with chocolate and coconut. You will want these to be moist enough to hold together so add additional honey in that case, if you find that they are too moist then add more oats. Enjoy!

Oat & Nut Butter Energy Bites

by Inspired by the Seasons

1 c old-fashioned oats
1 c raisins
1/2 c nut butter
1 T chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 T honey

In the bowl of your food processor add oats and process until they resemble a coarse flour. Add raisins and pulse until broken up. Add in remaining ingredients and pulse until they become a coarse meal (see photo). Form into balls and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Makes about 20 balls.

Chocolate Oat Energy Bites*

Adapted from Gimme Some Oven

1 c old-fashioned oats
1 c unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 c peanut butter
1/3 c honey
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a medium sized bowl, stir together ingredients until combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help with molding into balls.

Roll the chilled mixture into balls about 1" in diameter and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to one week. Makes about 20 energy bites.

* My 2018 version - add 2/3 c chopped walnuts and replace the coconut flakes with crispy rice cereal.