These Almond Butter & Jelly Balls are the perfect healthy back-to-school snack to get you back in the game (even if you’re not going back to school.)
You guuuuys! September is a hot second a way, which means back to school season is upon us. In my mind that just means schools supplies are literally everywhere. EVERYWHERE *cue the deluge of pens & notebooks cascading from the sky* That and the ubiquity of peanut butter and jelly (or in my case almond butter and jelly). These are two thing I don’t hate. Pens and AB&J.
Originally, I was going to use this recipe as an excuse to talk about how weird it is to not be going back to school, but then it kind of hit me that it doesn’t feel that weird anymore. Is that weird? (haha ok, I won’t say weird again… ok maybe a little)
Today I was going to my gym which is close to BU’s campus and there were just herds of students. Rather than feeling nostalgic or slightly jealous I felt totally removed. They seemed so young. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved college. So many incredible memories and so many amazing learning experiences. Not an ounce of regret. But no part of me wants to go back. Mind you, if I had a way to get all my college friends living in the same city, that I would do in a heart beat. But go back to school. Nah, I’m good.
So many people told me that college would be the best years of my life, and yeah they were good, but I want to live my life in a way that every year gets better. Every year I’m smarter, kinder, more compassionate, building bigger goals, in short every year I want to be better. I get it, there will be tough years, but I just don’t think any good can come of obsessing over how good the past was.
But yeah, pens are just everywhere man. Everywhere. Oh and these balls! We haven’t even gotten to the BALLS (can you see that I’m hyped about these?) They literally taste like a bit of an almond butter and jelly sandwich but with ball-y texture.
You can totally make them with peanut butter too, I just prefer almond butter. Oh and the jam? Totally up to you, again I just love me some strawberry jam.
I will warn you, when you’re rolling them they’ll be a bit sticky (but most balls are). Luckily they harden in the fridge (as most balls do…sorry I couldn’t help myself 😛 ). I even keep them in the freezer if I’m packing them for lunch to make sure they don’t get too melty/sticky.
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- 1 Cup of Pitted Dates Loosely Packed
- 1/2 Cup of Slivered Almonds
- 1/2 Cup of Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1/3 Cup of Oats
- 2 Tbsp of Almond Butter
- 1 Tbsp of Jam
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix until dough forms
- Roll dough into 1″ balls
- Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks
Your Turn:
- College students: What are you most excited for this year?
OldiesGraduates: How long did it take you to stop feeling “weird” that you weren’t going back?
Best combo EVER! Happy Friday friend and I cannot believe it is already the end of August…How did that happen?
Yum! These sound amazing!
Pb + J <3 <3 Always one of my favorite combinations!
I am most excited to just get back into a routine and focusing on my studies. As much as I enjoy summer break, it is so nice to have a fall routine and to wake up every morning and focus on studying things that will help me with my future career.
Ooh girl. I love date balls, but usually I just throw a bunch of random stuff in my food processor and hope for the best. Love how easy these are – can NEVER go wrong with PB&J! 🙂
I’m most excited about taking a new direction (I’m a sophomore now), and think the floundering of freshman year is a bit more solved!
And woooo! nut butter/jam everything <3
Oooh I’m all about PB&J. These look yummy!!
I loveeeeee me some AB&J. Love that these are portable little snack version. I graduated from college four years ago, and still feel weird not going back. That’s why I keep going back part-time!
i think it took me almost two years to get over the fact that I graduated, haha. My two good friends graduated a year after, so I felt like there was a little delay. By the way, these snacks look awesome!!
I just made some peanut butter chocolate balls to take to school with me this week. I love how simple these are! I especially love that you only use 2 tbsp of almond butter… that stuff is pricey!
Ooh yum! You took one of my favorite combinations for a sandwich and made it into one of my favorite snacks.
Such a classic, you really can’t go wrong!
I like the combo of structure AND free time but I have the same belief that life gets better every year. I’m excited for what’s ahead! Hopefully by near future includes this snack.