No-Bake Dark Chocolate Granola Bites 

Ready in 30 Minutes   Makes 26 Bites

Ingredients

• 2 cups of quick oats
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
• 1 cup sliced and chopped almonds 
• 3 tablespoons cacao nibs, optional 
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin coconut oil 
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/4 cup natural unsweeteed cocoa powder 
• 1/2 cup semisweet or buttersweet chocolate chips  

Preparation

1. Mix the oats and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a skillet of either 10 or 12 inches, positioned over medium heat, put in the coconut, almonds, and cacao nibs if you prefer. Toast these elements, stirring regularly for 5-6 minutes, until a nutty fragrance arises, and the coconut and nuts assume a delicate golden tint. Combine this toasted blend with the oats.
3. Blend the honey, coconut oil, peanut butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan. Warm this concoction over medium heat, stirring continuously until it attains a smooth and fully liquefied texture.
4. Empty the chocolate mixture onto the dry ingredients and stir until an exhaustive amalgamation is achieved.
5. Using a cookie scoop or a pair of spoons, shape the mixture into mounds about the size of a tablespoon, depositing them onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Allow these minor mounds to rest for approximately 10 minutes until they cool down and their adhesive quality diminishes.
6. Utilizing resolute pressure from your palms, roll the mounds into compressed balls.
7. Lodge the granola bites inside the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to solidify. Place them in an airtight container within the fridge for a maximum of 2 weeks (or freeze for numerous months). While they can be savored straight out of the refrigerator, their flavor is elevated if you permit them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before consumption.

TOOLS

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons