Hiking Snack: Oatmeal Energy Balls

I make these oatmeal balls before every hike I go on. Depending on the length of the hike, I often find myself getting hungry on the way to the top. Not wanting to stop for too long, I grab an energy ball out of my pack and continue on while munching. One or two of these can sustain me for quite a while! 

These oatmeal balls aren’t just for hiking, though. I make up a small batch at the beginning of the week and bring a few to work each day. They’re a perfect 10:30am pick-me-up and they also go great with coffee. I was recently talking to a close friend of mine about these and she informed me that her ultrarunner boyfriend brings something similar to eat while running his ultramarathons. 

Oatmeal Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed 
• 2 tbsp. honey 
• 1/4 cup peanut butter 
• 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips 
• 2 tbsp. chia seeds 
• 2 tsp. cinnamon 
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 

Instructions: 

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. 
2. Stir well, making sure to mix the dry ingredients with the wet until the peanut butter and honey coat the oats. 
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
4. Roll the mixture into little balls using your (clean) hands. 
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also keep well at room temperature. 

Yields: 18-20 oatmeal balls 

The content above has been modified from its original posting on Spice and Dice.