Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Bites {No Refined Sugar}

Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites {No Refined Sugar} are amazing! The perfect snack or super-quick small meal for the young and old alike.

These Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites are a family favorite. They’ve also become a favorite treat for high school kids on the bus ride home. One boy was ‘starving’ on the hour-plus trip, and our youngest son, Owen, was the only person with food. The kids thought they sounded disgusting, especially when they heard that they contained quinoa. One of the girls said, “Quinoa only goes with mom’s chicken dinner.” Once the Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Bites were tasted, however, they were quickly devoured!

Recently, I had a patient no-show, followed by an empty hour due to a patient cancellation, and then lunch, leaving plenty of time to run errands and help out family. With 3 unexpected hours during the middle of a work day, you would think I could eat lunch, but that wasn’t possible. When I got back to work, I found my patient waiting to get her teeth cleaned. I was so thankful to have Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites to eat! I grabbed 4 of them and was able to work through the afternoon with loads of peppiness and without any energy crash.

I rinse the quinoa before adding it to a hot pan to toast it. It has a natural coating, called saponin, that makes it taste bitter or soapy if not rinsed off. I find it best to soak the seed for a few minutes in a fine mesh sieve placed in a small bowl of water. Drain the water and rinse the seed two more times. Let the water drain off for a few minutes before adding to the hot pan. If you purchase Ancient Harvest quinoa, the rinsing has all been done for you. If you want the chocolate chips to be whole and unmelted, be sure to allow time for the quinoa mixture to cool before adding them. Any nut butter will work well for these. Using the small scoop, place each one on a pan lined with waxed paper and harden in the freezer. If you like, store in the fridge in a covered container. If the Chocolate Quinoa Bites are to be served as a dessert, place them on a plate and drizzle melted chocolate over them.

What makes these Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites {No Refined Sugar} nutrient dense?

• Quinoa (has the perfect balance of all nine amino acids essential for human nutrition. This type of complete protein is rarely found in plant foods, though common in meats. Quinoa also offers a good dose of fiber and iron.)2
• Gluten Free Oats (are nutritionally well-balanced and a good source of carbs, fiber, protein, and fat. They are loaded with vitamins,  minerals, and antioxidants.)3
• Shredded Coconut (a great addition to your diet, because it helps maintain healthy tissue and fights disease. It adds dietary fiber, iron, and healthy fats.)4
• Dark Chocolate Chips (Antioxidant-Rich Superfood; protection from free radicals, improved heart health, potential cancer prevention, improved cholesterol profile, improved brain function, blood pressure and blood sugar aid.)5
• Organic Peanut Butter (has protein, potassium, fiber, healthy fats, magnesium, Vitamins E, and antioxidants. These can lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease, aid bowel health, and fortify bones and muscles)6
• Raw Honey (Purchase from a trusted local producer, is a good source of antioxidants, has antibacterial and antifungal properties, is filled with phytonutrients, helps digestive issues, and soothes a sore throat.)7

♥ Shelly

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Dark Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites {No Refined Sugar}

Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites {No Refined Sugar} are amazing! The perfect snack or small meal, if in a time crunch, for the young and old alike. 

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Prep Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 30 bites

Calories 84 kcal

Author Shelly Bartels

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup quinoa organic Uncooked
• 1 cup quick oats gluten free
• 2/3 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
• 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips gluten, soy free, non-GMO
• 3/4 cup peanut butter or any organic nutbutter
• 1/3 cup honey raw, unfiltered

Instructions

1. Soak quinoa in water a few minutes, rinse using a fine mesh sieve. Rinse 2 more times and let drain few minutes.

   Toast quinoa in hot skillet. Water will evaporate off and then toast for 3-5 minutes until starts to brown and pop off pan. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool.

2. Add remaining ingredients.

3. Use small scoop to measure out bites and place on waxed paper in a baking sheet. Place in freezer for 15 minutes or fridge for 45 minutes to firm up.

4. Store in covered container in fridge for up to two weeks or in freezer for 6 months.

Tools used to make this recipe (click photo or link to purchase):

References:

1. I’ve adapted this recipe from one I saw on a Pampered Chef Show.
2. Price, Jessie. “5 Facts About Quinoa Nutrition and Cooking Quinoa.” EatingWell, EatingWell, 15 Mar. 2013, www.eatingwell.com/article/276056/5-facts-about-quinoa-nutrition-and-cooking-quinoa/.
3. Palsdottir, Hrefna. “9 Health Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 July 2016, www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-oats-oatmeal.
4. Tremblay, Sylvie. “Health Benefits of Dehydrated, Shredded Coconut.” Healthy Eating | SF Gate, healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-dehydrated-shredded-coconut-8278.html.
5. Price, Annie. “7 Awesome Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.” Dr. Axe, 14 June 2017, draxe.com/benefits-of-dark-chocolate/.
6. “11 Best Benefits of Peanut Butter.” Organic Facts, 6 Nov. 2017, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-peanut-butter.html.
7. Pletcher, Peggy. “The Top 6 Raw Honey Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19Feb.2015, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-raw-honey-benefits.

Don’t forget to pin these Chocolate Toasted Quinoa Energy Bites {No Refined Sugar} to your favorite Pinterest board for later!