Collagen Energy Balls

Collagen Energy Balls are an awesome snack that give you a collagen kick and keep you going when you need it. This is my spin off of Cookie + Kate's Trail Mix Granola Balls which I made for my cookbook club and were a huge hit. The best part about Collagen Energy Balls is they keep at room temp for a few days or in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serves 18

Ingredients:
1 cup oats
.35 oz collagen peptides*
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup pepitas
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1.  In a food processor or blender, break up oats until they resemble a coarse meal.

2.  In a medium sized bowl combine oats, collagen peptides, walnuts, sliced almonds, pepitas, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Stir with a fork to combine.

3. In a microwave safe bowl, (I like to use a glass 2 cup measuring cup) combine peanut butter and honey. Whisking until combined and smooth. If you are having issues combining the two heat them up in the microwave or on the stove momentarily which will help loosen the peanut butter.

4. Add vanilla extract to peanut butter and honey mixture, whisk to combine.

5. Pour peanut butter and honey mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir with a silicone spatula until all ingredients are combined.

6. Using a two tablespoons cookie scoop or a spoon (use what you have, a two tablespoon scoop will make 18 Collagen Energy Balls) scoop the mixture from the bowl and with your hands roll into balls.

7. In a shallow small bowl or ramekin add shredded coconut. Roll each ball in coconut until fully coated.

8. Enjoy now or place in a storage container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip:

* “Starting in our 20s, we begin losing about 1 percent of our collagen each year” as stated by Gabriela Ulloa, which is why I add collagen peptides to my chai latte every morning. There are may types of collagen and many ways to add it into your diet, soluble collagen peptides is my favorite way.