Mud Balls

We had planned to go to the zoo yesterday morning.  But it was raining.  So I did a quick search for an easy baking project for Rebecca and me.  I went to one of my trusted sources for kids foods - Heavenly Homemakers.  I found a fun recipe called mud balls.  These are super easy and so yummy!  And very versatile.  You can add whatever you like to the pb/honey mixture.  These can be gluten free if you use gf oats and leave out the wheat germ.  This is a very quick recipe...which is great for young children that can't stay focused for long.  From start to finish (getting ingredients out to having things cleaned up and trying the mudballs) was about 15 min.

Mud Balls

1/4 cup peanut butter (I used peanut butter and homemade almond butter)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup oatmeal (I used rolled oats)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (I used chocolate and butterscotch chips)
1/4 cup sesame seeds (I didn't add these)
(I added raisins)
(Coconut, nuts, dried fruit and pumpkin seeds would be good in these)

Cook the peanut butter and honey over low heat until melted. Add remaining ingredients. When cool enough to handle roll into oohey gooey mud balls (I was able to do this almost immediately.  A little too tough/messy for Rebeccca to help with this part.)

I let them chill on a plate in the refrigerator and then put them in a plastic bag in the fridge for storage.  Mine firmed up very nicely because of the coconut oil in the almond butter.  I made about 20 small balls.