Crispy Almond-Butter Power Balls ~ A nutritious and delicious snack that's easy for kids to make!

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a group of Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts at my house to earn a badge for learning to make nutritious snacks.  The most popular snack, with both girls and parents, by far was the Crispy Almond-Butter Power Balls.  They're packed with healthy ingredients and are a terrific energy snack.  They're loaded with protein, calcium, antioxidants, whole grains, omega 3s and taste great!  They're easy for kids to make and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Crispy Almond Butter Power Balls

(adapted from fixmeasnack.com) 

 

Time:  Approx. 10 minutes

Yield:  Approx. 20 

¾ cup powdered milk

1 cup crispy brown rice cereal (Envirokidz Organic Koala Crisp is what we like)

2 tablespoons wheat germ

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips

½ cup smooth almond butter

¼ cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon organic coconut oil

Optional coating:

2 TB cocoa powder

2 TB confectioner's sugar

Step 1:  In a medium bowl, stir dry ingredients together (powdered milk, cereal, wheat germ, flaxseed, salt, mini chips).

Step 2:  In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir wet ingredients together (almond butter, honey, vanilla coconut oil).  Microwave for 20 seconds to help soften the ingredients and make them pourable.

Step 3:  Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed. 

Step 4:  Form into 1” balls by compacting in your hand, then rolling between two hands to make a smooth ball.

Step 5:  (Optional)  Combine cocoa powder and powdered sugar in a small bowl.  Roll almond balls in mixture to coat.

Ready to eat right away.  Refrigerate to store, or freeze for up to 3 months. 

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Here are some of the nutrition facts that the girls and I uncovered about some of the ingredients in the Crispy Almond-Butter Power Balls.

 

Brown rice cereal:  A healthy whole-grain with selenium, anti-oxidants, fiber, and manganese (which helps your body synthesize fat).

Wheat germ:  a grain fortified with vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorus, thiamine, zinc, magnesium and essential omega-3 fatty acids and fatty alcohols.  An excellent source of fiber.

Flaxseed:  Among all 129 World's Healthiest Foods, flaxseeds comes out number one as a source of omega-3s.  Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.  May prevent some cancers. 

Dark chocolate/Cocoa Powder:  Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in cell-protecting antioxidants -- natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. Read what scientists are studying regarding antioxidants and cardiovascular disease, premature aging and cancer.

Almond butter:  a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain.  High in protein and Vitamin E.

Honey:  Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

Coconut Oil:  Contains lauric acid which fights off microbes and infectious bacteria.  Contains healthy fats that the body converts to energy rather than storing as fat.