Sunday, March 20, 2011

Chewy Granola Balls

Weelicious ™ – Chewy Granola Balls

SO GOOD!! These are easy to whip up and a big hit with everyone -- Rylee, Jake, Darrin and even my in-laws!! They're a healthy snack packed with protein and fruit and they're great to put in lunches. I was a bit hesitant to buy the Rice Syrup because it was $5 for the jar. But Catherine (at Weelicious) mentioned that you really can't substitue anything else for it. Agauve Nectar isn't sticky enough and honey is too sweet and too sticky. The Rice Syrup has just the right neutral taste and texture (warning: if you taste it right out of the jar, don't be alarmed. It tastes much better IN the granola balls!) Thankfully, I'll be able to get 4 batches from the jar....so it's not too too bad.

**I used Peanut Butter instead of Almond Butter and Brown Rice Crispys since that's all that Sprouts had. Someone else had said they used popped Quiona and it worked just fine too!


Chewy Granola Balls (Makes about 30 Balls)

1/2 Cup Almond Butter
1/2 Cup Rice Syrup
1 Cup Rice Crispys
1 1/2 Cups Granola or Wee Granola
1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries, Cherries, Blueberries and/or raisins, chopped

1. Place the almond butter and rice syrup in a small saucepan over low to medium heat and warm for 2 minutes or until it becomes smooth and combined.
2. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
3. Pour the warm almond butter mixture into the bowl with the granola mixture and stir to combine.
4. Roll into 1 inch balls (I used a mini ice cream scooper to scoop out each portion, but you could also use a tablespoon) .
5. Serve.

3 comments:

  1. OMG! How do you pop Quinoa?! That is so rad!

    ReplyDelete
  2. From Divine Recipes: http://www.divinerecipes.com/recipe.cfm/recipeid/15141/vegetarian-recipes/Popped-Quinoa

    Ingredients (use vegan versions):

    1 tablespoon Quinoa, rinsed
    Vegetable spray
    Salt
    Directions:

    Heat cast iron skillet or wok until very hot. Pour quinoa onto skillet and shake to avoid burning. When you notice a roasted smell, quickly remove grain from skillet. Spray with vegetable oil and sprinkle salt over grains.

    Serves: 1

    Preparation time: 1 min

    ReplyDelete
  3. what a cool recipe! Need to try that sometime

    ReplyDelete