Once again, I pinned something on Pinterest and actually followed through and made it!

This time I attempted “Vegan Peanut Butter Vanilla Balls” from Averie Cooks. A no-bake bite-sized treat that would take only ten minutes of my time.

Step 1: Assemble ingredients.

This consisted of peanuts, peanut butter, vanilla extract and medjool dates.

Step 2: Blend 1/4 cup of peanuts.

Step 3: Add in 1/2 cup of dates.

I’d never bought dates before but have seen them listed in the ingredients of Larabars. Even though they look to me like insect larvae, I know they make for a good binding agents when making fruit and nut bars.

*CAUTION: Be sure to remove the pit before proceeding.*

Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and blend together.

Step 5: Scuba dive….I mean….add in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and blend once again.

The recipe creator said that any type of nut butter would work. I went with classic peanut.

Step 6: Transfer to a plate and roll into balls. Select toppings.

I went with a chocolate theme (shocking!).  I rolled some of the balls in  Ghiradelli cocoa powder. The powder made them a bit bitter without any added sweeteners, so I wouldn’t recommend it. For others I sprinkled them with one of my favorite Trader Joe’s grinders. And for the last couple I stuck a dark chocolate chip in the middle.

Verdict: An easy poppable energy snack!