Carob Balls-Gluten Free ;)

Warning-May be habit forming!

   I got a wild hair today...and the kids and I made Carob Balls.  They may not look like much, but oh are they tasty!  I try not to make them too often as I cannot seem to keep myself out of them.  Today, however, was an exception.  Jude has been suffering from terrible allergies and so we need to spend the first half of the day indoors due to the high pollen count and it reduces time for him to be exposed.  Poor boy!  Anyway, I thought it would be a fun activity to do with the kids and they, as you will see, thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

   With the soundtrack of the movie Chocolat playing in the background (which is the best, if you don't have it...get it!), my fellow chefs and I whipped up these...um...beauties?  These are the perfect snack for a hike, on the go, or just wanting a good energy boost.  Definitely not low in calories.  I tend to view them as more of a homemade protein bar than something you'd just mindlessly munch on.  I got the recipe from my mother-in-law and am very glad I did!  If you want to give these a try here's the recipe:

Carob Balls

1/2C Carob Powder*

1C Peanut Butter**

3/4C Honey

2C Powdered Milk

1/3C Toasted Sesame Seeds

-Mix all the ingredients together. I like to use a kitchen-aid, but you could do it by hand too.

-If the dough is too wet, add more powdered milk or carob powder.  If it is too dry, add more honey.

-Roll into balls.

-Enjoy!

*You could also use cocoa powder, but I like Carob.

**If you have a peanut allergy, you could sub the peanut butter with sunflower butter.  I've never tried using soy butter... 

**I like using crunchy peanut butter because it adds texture, but if you'd like I'm sure you could use creamy.

This is what you want your dough to look like.  Not too sticky, but not too dry.

Having too much fun!

Despite the silly face, my Ella was LOVING eating the raw honey.  After her momma's heart.  <3

Jude was not about to be left out of the honey eating experience!

Enthralled watching the mixer do it's job.

They had to make sure it was edible...

...and it was!   ;)

My precious girl trying her hand at rolling balls.  Jude was great at the task...it was too late to take a picture of him in action so...

...can you tell which ones are mine and which ones are the kids? 

I hope you make these and enjoy them as much as we do!  I love that we can make a yummy treat without having to turn on the oven, the kids can join in, and they don't take very long to make.  Let me know what you think!