Easter Protein Truffles

These protein "truffles" are so simple and quick to make we're sure they will become a family favourite! They are portable, healthy and oh-so-tasty! Plus, they are endlessly customizable by varying the spices, extracts, and other add-ins, or by giving them a chic coating of chia seeds, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts. These are the perfect 'treat' for your Easter gathering - or any occasion - with they're candy-like appeal and bite-size egg shape. YUM! 

Yield: Makes about 12 1-inch eggs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened nut or seed butter (e.g., almond, peanut, cashew, sunflower, or tahini)
• 3 tablespoons honey, agave nectar, or pure maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2/3 cup lightly packed all-natural protein powder (whey or plant-based) *Visit FPF for 

Suggested Coatings (optional):

• Unsweetened chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• Unsweetened, natural cocoa powder
• Unsweetened flake or shredded coconut, plain or toasted
• Finely chopped toasted or raw nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts)
• Toasted or raw seeds, finely chopped if needed (e.g., sesame, chia, pumkin seeds, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds)
• Finely chopped dried fruit (e.g., cherries, raisins, apricots, blueberries)
• Matcha tea powder
• Quick-cooking rolled oats
  
  

Preparation:

• Mix the nut or seed butter, honey, and salt in a medium bowl until blended. Add the protein powder, stirring until completely combined (mixture will be firm).
• Protein powders vary in terms of their dryness. Hence if the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more protein powder, or some ground oats or flax seed meal, until the mixture comes together as a dough. If the mixture seems too dry, add some non-dairy milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together as a dough.
• Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture into your hands and shape into 1-inch balls.
• If desired, place one or more of the suggested coatings in small shallow dishes. Roll each ball in the coating, gently pressing to adhere. Place the balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy! 
  
  

PRO TIPS:
–If you prefer, mix up to 3 tablespoons of any of the suggested coatings directly into the dough instead of using as a coating.
–A box of these beauties makes a great hostess gift or present in general, especially to the fitness and health foodie friends in your life!
 
STORAGE:
Store in an airtight container. REFRIGERATOR: 1 week FREEZER: 3 months in airtight container; thaw 15 minutes 

RECIPE VARIATIONS
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN EGGS
Use peanut butter for the nut butter and chocolate protein powder in place of the vanilla protein powder. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened, natural cocoa powder (not Dutch process) and 1 1/2 tablespoons water along with the honey.

MOCHA JAVA EGGS
Use chocolate protein powder in place of the vanilla protein powder. Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, dissolved in 2 teaspoons warm water, along with the honey.

GINGERBREAD PROTEIN BALLS
Use 3 tablespoons dark (cooking) molasses for the sweetener and add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves along with the protein powder.

SNICKERDOODLE PROTEIN EGGS
Add 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg along with the protein powder. Add 3 tablespoons chopped raisins to the dough before rolling into balls. Roll the balls in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.