Chocolate Peanut Protein Bites

If you eat a real food diet heavy in plants, there's not any huge need to use protein powders in my opinion, as you will be getting enough protein from whole foods.

However, in today's busy world where optimal nutrition is often lacking and when our little eaters are fussy and refuse our best attempts at helping them to eat nourishing food, a protein-packed smoothie, a protein muffin or pancake is an amazing choice (and far better than a scone and a caramel macchiato from your local cafe!)

I'm often asked what protein powder I recommend. I love NuZest Clean Lean protein power. It's a plant-based powder made from golden pea protein and it's free from gluten, dairy, soy and GMO's. All natural, 100% vegetable and allergen free, it's easy to digest and absorb (very important) and tastes great (vitally important!).

I whipped up these protein-packed bites using NuZest Chocolate Clean Lean protein powder, but you can use any kind of protein powder you like.

As you can see, my chocolate coating skills leave a lot to be desired, and I've since had recommended to insert a toothpick and roll the bite in the chocolate to get an even coverage all around. Try that and let me know how you go.

Makes: 16-18 bites

Time: Make 15 mins, cool time: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:

Fudge bite:

• 1 cup NuZest Chocolate Protein Powder
• 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
• 3 Tbsp nut butter (I use cashew butter, but almond or peanut will work too)
• 2 Tbsp rice malt syrup (or maple syrup)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil

Topping

• 3 Tbsp peanut butter
• 200g melted dark chocolate
• 2 Tbsp chopped almonds

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, mix protein powder, cacao powder, and cashew butter. Use your hands to evenly distribute the nut butter.
2.  In a small bowl, melt coconut oil and chosen sweetener.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. The mixture will be crumbly but should be able to be pressed together with your fingers to form a ball.
4. Using your hand, form little square bite shapes and place on a tray or plate. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
5. Place 1/4 tsp of peanut butter into the top of each bite.
6. Transfer to the freezer for 1 hour (or until peanut butter is hard to touch).
7. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler (or gently in the microwave). Once melted, stir through chopped almonds.
8. Use a spoon to drizzle the almond chocolate mixture over the bites, or alternatively, you can insert a toothpick into the bite and dip them in the chocolate for optimal coverage. Repeat until all bites are covered.
9. Return tray to the freezer for 15 minutes until chocolate has set.

Store bites in the fridge. These protein bites will last for 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer.