Healthy Eats – Peanut Butter, Oat & Date Bites

By Trisha Coffman

Need a quick energy hit? These little bites are power-packed.

You probably already know the virtues of peanut butter and oats, but what about dates? They’re stocked with carbs and potassium – perfect training fuel. Munch two or three of these just before your training session, or pack a few in your pocket for the trail.

You will need:

• 25 medjool dates
• ½ C peanut butter (look for the all-natural, unsweetened kind)
• kosher salt
• ¾ C rolled oats
• optional mix-ins (see below)
• a food processor

Pull each date in half with your fingers and remove and discard the pit, then toss the date into the large bowl of a food processor. Add the peanut butter and one to two tablespoons water, plus a pinch kosher salt. Process until all ingredients are combined and form a thick and fairly smooth paste, stopping periodically to scrape down the bowl with a spatula. If smoothness is not happening, add more water, one tablespoon at a time (too much water will make the mixture sticky). Add the oats plus any mix-ins to the processor and pulse until just combined.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. If it’s too sticky to work with, let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Form by spoonfuls into balls and let rest on wax or parchment paper. Keep in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container and use within several days.

Add one or more of these mix-ins, or come up with your own:

• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon
• Chopped, dried fruits
• Orange or lemon zest
• Chopped nuts
• Chia seeds
• Toasted or chopped flax seeds
• Toasted coconut