{"id":7298,"date":"2012-12-19T00:02:37","date_gmt":"2012-12-19T04:02:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ontapfortoday.com\/?p=7298"},"modified":"2016-05-27T18:51:09","modified_gmt":"2016-05-27T22:51:09","slug":"no-bake-chocolate-pea-protein-balls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontapfortoday.com\/2012\/12\/19\/no-bake-chocolate-pea-protein-balls\/","title":{"rendered":"Today: No-bake chocolate pea protein balls."},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re a vegetarian like me, you’ve likely been asked (in a somewhat alarmed, overly dramatic voice),<\/p>\n

“But how do you get enough protein?”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The truth is, carnivores haven’t cornered the market on protein consumption. Many plants and other vegetarian options, from hemp seed to cauliflower, and asparagus to quinoa, pack as much protein as a steak and eggs. \u00a0Don’t believe me? \u00a0(And it’s okay if you don’t. \u00a0I am not a scientist. \u00a0Nor a doctor. \u00a0Nor a perfect physical specimen.) \u00a0Ask the vegan\u00a0endurance\u00a0athlete<\/a> who was\u00a0the\u00a0first person to complete \u00a05 Ironman-distance triathlons on 5 Hawaiian Islands in under a week<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Our protein needs are largely individual. \u00a0My RD has helped me a great deal with this, setting a goal for daily intake and recommending possible options for getting there. \u00a0It turns out, it’s not at all complicated. \u00a0Even, or especially, for vegetarians. \u00a0While many of the whole foods I consume are great sources of protein, when I’m in a pinch, there’s always protein powder. \u00a0There are only so many protein shakes a girl can drink in a day, though.<\/p>\n

\"No-bake<\/p>\n

When (the sadly, now defunct)\u00a0Pure Matters sent me a container of their Chocolate Pea Protein, my first thought was to mix it with unsweetened almond milk and ice, maybe a few frozen berries. \u00a0(For the record: the powder is very tasty, has a great consistency, and blends beautifully. \u00a0And no, it doesn’t taste like peas. \u00a0At all.)<\/p>\n

Thankfully, Pure Matters offered a number of great recipeas <\/em>on their website\u00a0for those of us lacking creativity. \u00a0It turns out there’s a whole lot you can do with protein powder besides shakes. \u00a0Their\u00a0Chocolate Pea Protein Balls,\u00a0a far cry from basic shake, immediately caught my eye. \u00a0Easy to make, and even easier to consume, these protein balls are a great way to sneak some plant protein into your day.<\/p>\n

You can use just about any protein powder in making these… well… balls.<\/p>\n

No-bake chocolate pea protein balls<\/em><\/h3>\n

Yields 8-10 balls<\/em><\/p>\n

INGREDIENTS<\/b><\/em>
\n\u2022 1 scoop chocolate protein powder<\/em>
\n\u2022 1\/3 cup nut butter<\/em>
\n\u2022 1\/3 cup gluten free rolled oats (original recipe called for shredded coconut)<\/em>
\n\u2022 1\/3 cup maple syrup (I used\u00a0agave\u00a0nectar)<\/em>
\n\u2022 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract<\/em>
\n\u2022 1 1\/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<\/em>
\n\u2022 3\/4 teaspoon sea salt<\/em>
\n\u2022 1\/3 cup chocolate chips<\/em>
\n\u2022 sprinkles (optional)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

DIRECTIONS<\/b><\/em>
\n1. In a food processor or blender, mix\u00a0protein powder, nut butter and oats\u00a0until ingredients are mixed well.<\/em>
\n2. Add agave nectar or\u00a0maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt. Pulse until combined. Add chocolate chips and pulse again, incorporating chocolate chips into mixture.<\/em>
\n3. Roll into golf ball-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet or plate. Decorate with sprinkles.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

While I am sure one could cut out the joy<\/del> sprinkles altogether, I opted to add a bit of holiday kick with crushed peppermint candy. \u00a0I used gluten-free rolled oats instead of coconut, and miniature dark chocolate chips, but otherwise followed the recipe as written. \u00a0When using this specific pea protein powder, each serving yields a whopping\u00a025 grams of vegan protein. \u00a0And you wondered if I was getting enough?<\/p>\n

Welp, I am. \u00a0And enjoying every bite.<\/p>\n

I received complimentary products from Pure Matters, but was not compensated for this post. \u00a0My opinions are my own. \u00a0Obvi. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Also On Tap for Today<\/strong>:<\/p>\n