Peanut Butter Balls ;)

These are so good. They are a blast to make, and easy!! AND, the best part is, I always have these ingredients in my kitchen on hand, so I can whip them up anytime! Now go home and make them this weekend! You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Ready for the recipe? This is a Betsy/Maria recipe - which means, there is a list of ingredients, but quantities are to be determined by the cook/baker (aka you!). I am listing what I think I used to make them last night ( I can't quite remember though).

Oatmeal Peanut-butter Balls

1 c. Old-fashioned rolled Oats

1/2 c. Natural, organic, raw Peanut-butter (I use crunchy for texture, but you can use smooth if you prefer. Also, you CAN use non-organic, regular peanut-butter, but for your health, go natural!)

1 Tbsp honey (This can be omitted or increased depending on personal preference)

semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips

I warm up the peanut butter and honey in a small dish in the microwave to help combine with the oats better. Are you ready for the instructions? Place in a bowl - combine all ingredients - roll into balls and place on wax paper. DONE! I told you it was easy!! now, plop one into your mouth - YUMMY! Crunchy, chewy, sweet, salty...does is get better than that?

The original recipe I used (thanks Joy!!) said to melt the chocolate chips, and coat the peanut butter ball rather than incorporating the chocolate as chunks in the balls. Either works - I just prefer to skip that step, because then you have to wait for them to cool, harden, etc.! We're just wasting precious time, people!! It is my excuse to be lazy and get to the eating part faster. Also, it allows for less chocolate if you happen to prefer that (which I do).

Here is a picture of what they will look like...these have a little higher ratio of peanut butter to oats. I will be honest, sometimes they are hard to get to stick together with the organic, natural pb. But again, it is worth it! Just squeeze them into balls with your palm...also, sometimes they don't come out perfect spheres (my math man informed me of the proper term), but who cares? They still taste great! And nutritionally offer fiber, folate, protein, need I go on??