<![CDATA[Natural Girl Diary - A Resource for Joyful, Natural Living - Nut Butter Nuggets]]>Sat, 25 May 2013 10:24:40 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[ ]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:57:17 GMThttp://www.naturalgirldiary.com/14/post/2012/01/first-post.htmlNut Butter Nuggets
When the New Year rolls around, it seems that at least one person in the family VOWS to be healthier.  Easier said than done!  This year, make your health resolution a little easier by replacing some of the usual snacks with super-tasty healthy snacks.  Nuts (and therefore nut butters) are one of the best plant sources of protein.  They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and good fats like omega 3s.  This post is one example that can add some healthy fats and incorporate fun toppings that you may not get your family to eat otherwise.
 
Start by measuring out all the ingredients.  You will need to powder 1/3 cup of the oats by pulverizing them in a blender or food processor.  Leave the other 1 cup whole.
Ingredients
1/3 cup natural peanut or  almond butter
1 and 1/3  cups whole oats
1/3  cup honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Toppings

1/3 cup crushed nuts, dried fruit, coconut  flakes, cocoa nibs or melted  chocolate 
(whatever you love!)
You can see by the photo below that it doesn't take a lot to make these flavor packed snacks.  Combine everything in a medium size bowl and mix together with a fork.  Finish thoroughly mixing with your hands.
 
Use a teaspoon, melon baller,  or a small ice cream scoop to to make same sized balls out of the mixture.  My 3 year old loves doing this part for me!
 
Roll the balls in coconut shreds, chopped nuts, or whatever you love to eat.  I used trail mix pulsed in a blender that consisted of cashews, pistachios, golden raisins, dried white mulberries, dried goji berries and cocoa nibs.
 
Set coated nuggets on parchment or wax paper and place  into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up or eat right away.  Have them ready for your kids to eat when they get home from school and save them from the chips and cookies! 

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