Chia Balls

I've really struggled with the idea of snack time. I guess this is because when I was growing up, the idea of an afternoon snack was thought of as dinner sabotage in my mother's eyes. Well, the apple  apparently doesn't fall from the tree (don't even think about nibbling on that fallen apple of you'll spoil your dinner).  Just kidding, of course. I have resisted the idea of morning and afternoon snacks, but the picture can get pretty ugly! So, I have done a 180 on snacks, but I'm very picky about what the snack is. My kids have are active and just eat all of the time- and they still manage to eat faiirlywell at dinner, most of the time.

Here's one of our favorite energy packed snacks. If anyone has a better name, Please! I'm open to suggestions. This name is trumped only by an appetizer at Lovely Thai in Grayslake. The appetizer is delicious, but it's called "Lovely Balls." Whoa...

Chia Balls

3/4 c. oats
7 pitted dates
3 T. chia seeds
1/2 c. raisins
1/4 t. vanilla
1/4 t. cinammon
1/4 c. peanut butter

1. Pulse oats in food processor until coarsely chopped.
2. Add dates. Pulse until chopped.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Pulse until mixed.
4. Roll into 18 balls.
5. Keep in fridge.