I received an advanced copy of the new 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget cookbook and I think you are going to love the easy Oatmeal Energy Bites recipe I’m sharing from the new book!
Energy bites are clearly the new snack darling in the grocery store. But they are so expensive! I always say I can make these…and they usually taste better too. (Our Lemon Cashew Energy Bites are still a favorite!) When I got a copy of the newest addition to the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook family, I was super excited to make the Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites. With just five ingredients, it’s easy to make and less expensive than some other recipes I usually create.
BENEFITS OF THE 100 DAYS OF REAL FOOD ON A BUDGET COOKBOOK
For those of you in my Eat Well, Live Well Facebook group, you have seen me recommend Lisa Leake’s other cookbooks. (see below for a giveaway!) The recipes are easy to follow and created for busy families looking to eat with whole food ingredients. The newest cookbook adds in another element by crafting recipes on a budget. Honestly, I might try to write down all that we eat for a week and see how far off we are.
The budget is more realistic than other books as she details how much the cost is for each particular ingredient, not just “2 tablespoons of cream cheese at $0.75.” However, the pricing does not reflect the “Emily recommended” options like grass-fed beef, pastured-raised chicken and eggs, and nut milks and such. That being said, I think the recipes are a great way to approach meal planning as they are simple, yet flavored with fresh herbs and veggies.
You can also find in the book the following:
- Seasonal meal plan examples
- Cost comparison of key ingredients across 8 stores, including Trader Joe’s, Costco, Aldi’s, Walmart and Whole Foods.
- Recipe chart by dietary need, including gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free/nut-free, and vegetarian.
- Oatmeal energy bites is just one of many great snack recipes, and an awesome Packed Lunch chapter
KIDS CAN MAKE OATMEAL ENERGY BITES
Ok, one of the simplest ways to get your kids to eat a wider variety of things is to include them in the kitchen. All that exposure to new ingredients adds up over time. Both of my boys were home this week so I’ve been tasked with entertaining them. After a day spent at Lego Land, it was time to relax at home. Cooking together serves two purposes, we create a healthy recipe to enjoy, but we also are doing something together. They ask lots of questions and usually end up talking about sports or asking Alexa to play Kids Bop.
They will also get messy in the kitchen. Take a deep breath and let them create. Those oatmeal energy bites were not perfectly shaped, and it’s okay. I’m banking on how many bites they took while making the balls that they like the flavor! Try not to ruin a moment by stressing about the mess. Clean up can come later. (also, trays are super helpful when baking with kids in the kitchen. and keep wet towels handy too.)
HOW TO MAKE OATMEAL ENERGY BITES
Play around with this recipe and see what you like best. I’ll be making this again with sunflower butter to see if we can add this to our “school-safe” snack list! We also have some kids who prefer cranberries instead of raisins, so that will be another easy swap.
Quick tip~ using a melon scooper is super helpful for making energy bites. Keeps everyone’s hands clean and generally the bites will be even…although sometimes we still get what we call “Daddy size” bites!
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ⅔ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ⅔ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Play around with this recipe and see what you like best. I’ll be making this again with sunflower butter to see if we can add this to our “school-safe” snack list! We also have some kids who prefer cranberries instead of raisins, so that will be another easy swap.
Quick tip~ using a melon scooper is super helpful for making energy bites. Keeps everyone’s hands clean and generally the bites will be even…although sometimes we still get what we call “Daddy size” bites!
100 DAYS OF REAL FOOD COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY!
I actually received an extra copy of the original 100 Days of Real Food cookbook and I already own it! Lucky you, I’m giving it away to a lucky reader AND I want you to have a copy of the new cookbook too! Both books are full of delicious, family-friendly recipes. I do make a fair amount of gluten-free swaps for flours, but otherwise the recipes are great for a wide audience. You can also pop over and order your new copy of the 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget if you already have the first cookbooks!
Updated Sept 2018 **Congrats Ann L. for winning the cookbooks!
