Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites

It's important that you stop what you are doing and make these ASAP. They are worthy of adoration and love, and a spot in your fridge. I fiddled a bit with the Dark Chocolate No Bake Granola Bites on Mel's Kitchen Cafe and out came a heavenly little snack. I doubled the recipe and got 50 of these gems. Half are coming with me to brunch tomorrow (guess I lied about taking the strawberry rhubarb crisp bars, but why would I make something additional when these are so delightful?), and the other half are in my fridge (and eventually my freezer). My almost 3 year old loved them, until my 5 year old proclaimed she did not, so there you have it. Personally I'm glad they will all be mine. Chocolate, coconut, almonds? Sign me up.

Chocolate Almond Coconut Granola Bites
-adapted from melskitchencafe.com

(makes 50 balls, 2 T in size)

-4 cups quick oats
-2 cups whole almonds, pulsed in food processor until finely chopped
-1/4 t. salt
-1 cup shredded coconut
-1 cup honey
-1 1/4 cup creamy almond butter
-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1/2 cup coconut oil

-2 t. vanilla extract
-3/4 cup chocolate chips

Toss oats and salt together in a large bowl and set aside. In a large skillet, toast the coconut and almonds (stirring frequently) for about 5 minutes over medium heat, or until smelling divine and lightly golden. You will be sorry if you burn this. Toss the coconut/nuts with the oats. Meanwhile, in a large pot combine the honey, cocoa powder, almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla and chocolate chips. Heat and stir over low until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add the oat/nut/coconut mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 2 T scoop, drop the mixture into little mounds. Let cool for 10 minutes, and then roll them into firm balls with your hands. At this point they will all fit on one baking sheet, so you can easily cover them with foil and throw them in the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours, then you can pop them in an airtight container and either freeze or stick back in the fridge. I made these less than 2 hours ago and I can already tell you they go great with a cup of coffee or a fruit/yogurt smoothie. I'm betting they are also great with a glass of milk, but I'll test that theory for sure tonight before bed.