Typical Domestic Babe: Chocolate Covered Protein Balls

I have to warn you prior to reading the rest of this post: These are so good AND they are extremely addicting!

I came up with this recipe out of desperation. I CRAVE sweets when I am watching what I eat. At times, I'll abuse my protein bars simply because I'm dying for chocolate! My first batch last week turned out a little too dry because I tried using all natural style peanut butter (where the only ingredient is peanuts). They were still delicious, but the consistency was off. The next time I made these I used a creamy style which worked perfectly! I might still play around with my recipe and see if I can use the all natural style PB mixed with a little coconut oil..... Regardless, these protein balls are exactly what I crave, the perfect blend of chocolate & peanut butterery goodness. They are beyond scrumptious and healthy - SCORE!!!

Both times that I have made these they have disappeared within 3 days. Apparently we have no self control in my household. Next time I might store them in the freezer which will possibly be a little less tempting for me if they're not staring at me every time I open the fridge! It might also be fun to add in some flaxseed, organic oats, or mashed banana. Play around with the ingredients, use low-carb chocolate protein powder if you prefer, make these your own healthy indulgence!

**makes 12-15 truffle sized rounds**

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Earth Balance Coconut & Peanut Spread)

3 scoops low-carb vanilla whey protein

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup sugar substitute or sweetener (I used Z Sweet, a 0 calorie, 0 glycemic effect sweetener)

1/2 cup organic semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Put all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix with a stand or electric mixer.

Lay out a cookie sheet and line with parchment paper.

Roll mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on cookie sheet; set aside.

Using a double broiler (or a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water) slowly melt chocolate, taking care to stir constantly.

Glaze the rounds by pouring melted chocolate one spoonful at a time over protein balls.

Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chocolate has completely hardened.

Store in the refrigerator.

I hope that you enjoy these and that you are able to exercise more willpower than myself!! Please let me know what you added in, and how they turned out for you!

xo,

Andy