HEALTHY DAIRY-FREE OATMEAL BITES
As you might know by now I’m a huge fan of eating healthy (trying to anyway), especially indulging in those treats that taste so good but are so good for you. My latest obsession is 'healthy vegan bites'…I bought two packages from Publix while I was away on vacation in Savannah, but every time I eat one, I think to myself “I could make these!" Especially since I don't live close to a Publix, I tried my hand in re-creating some healthy oatmeal bites with no added sugar AND they're dairy and gluten free AND they're super low in fat! Everyone knows the health benefits of no added sugar, but not consuming dairy is such an important topic that not as many people know about. Dairy-free products are good for the cow's lives (there's so many cruel things that happen on farms that you wouldn't guess, which is why I decided to consume a mostly plant-based diet), and eating dairy-free significantly lowers your fat intake and completely eliminates your cholesterol intake! So... give it a go and at least cut back on dairy. Anyway, I'm not usually one for creating a recipe with absolutely no instructions or guidelines because let's be honest... it usually turns out to be a total flop, right? Actually, these taste SO GOOD. So if you want to making a quick, healthy and oh so delicious breakfast, or snack give these a go! You can eat these anytime of the day or night and feel absolutely no guilt! These are best warm out of the oven, but they're still great at room temperature. So make them and pack a couple for lunch, or eat one at night instead of indulging in a high calorie, high fat pastry that you'll regret when you wake up in the morning!
Prep time: 10 minutes Bake time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Yields: 12 healthy bites
You will need:
– 1 cup of gluten free oats
– 2 tablespoons of flax seeds mixed with 5 tablespoons of water (let rest 5 minutes)
– 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 large handful of dried cranberries
– 3 finely chopped dried figs
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of light almond milk
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
Let’s do this:
Step one: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set it aside so you can place your oatmeal bites on it once you've made the mixture.
Step two: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step three: Grind the cup of gluten free oats using a food processor. You want a mixture of finely ground oats and whole oats, so don't grind it too much.
Step four: Gently mix the oats, baking soda, shredded coconut, and chia seeds in a mixing bowl.
Step five: Add the flax seeds and water to the dry ingredients, along with the honey, olive oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Step six: Fold in the cranberries and figs.
Step seven: Carefully roll the mixture into balls and gently press each one into a small cookie shape and place on the baking sheet. Be careful forming each bite so that it does not fall apart.
Step eight: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bites are still soft, yet golden. (Just enough time to clean the dishes you used!) Enjoy!
If you re-create my recipe, please let me know! I'd love to see pictures, or hear about how much you enjoyed making and eating them. Don't forget how healthy these are... you can easily eat one of these to curve a late night snack craving and never feel guilty!
