Hi friends! The last few weeks have been relentlessly busy. We’ve tackled a lot of projects around the house and property, camped, traveled, hosted visitors, and even handled a few animal emergencies. I hope to settle back into a regular blogging rhythm in the next couple of weeks. With fresh produce filling the markets, I have many delicious recipes to share. For now, enjoy this short but sweet recipe (yes, I crack myself up) and a small giveaway at the end. Read on!
Peanut butter + chocolate = bliss.
I can’t think of a combination that makes me happier. The mix of salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy, just makes my heart skip a beat. Making peanut butter balls is one of my favorite ways to satisfy that peanut butter-and-chocolate craving. With chocolate chips, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar all rolled into one portable treat, it’s like an inside-out Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Since it’s made with peanut butter, that means it’s healthy, right? (Don’t ruin my happy thoughts!) Even better, these little treats won’t melt all over your hands.
These are a staple on our camping trips. We bring them every time, without fail. They’re perfect for camping because they’re high in protein and easy to transport. But they’re not just for the campground—these are an ideal summer snack too: no cooking required and they travel well without a cooler.
Make these today. Then make another batch to refill the bowl because you’ll inevitably sneak a few while no one is looking. That was totally me. Sorry.
For a photo-free, printer-friendly version of this recipe, click here!
Peanut Butter Balls
For a lighter variation, substitute honey for the sweetened condensed milk and use nonfat instant dry milk instead of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (I prefer all-natural)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk or honey
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or nonfat instant dry milk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined. At first it may look like it will never come together, but give it time and it will form a cohesive dough.
If you have a disher (a small scoop), it speeds the process, but it’s not essential. A serving spoon works fine—no harm, no foul.
Scoop roughly a teaspoon of the mixture into the palm of your hand. Roll lightly with both hands until it forms a ball. Place the finished ball on a plate or into a container. Repeat until the mixture is used up.
Store any uneaten peanut butter balls in a tightly lidded container in the refrigerator. They can sit at room temperature for several hours with no issues—if they last that long.
Now about that giveaway: I adore my disher. I use it constantly for cookie dough, meatballs, these peanut butter balls (washed between uses, of course), and anything else I want portioned into cute scoops. I’m giving away a small scoop disher like the one I used above as a little birthday treat. If you’d like one, enter below.
To enter, leave a comment telling me what you’d make with a disher. If you’d give it as a gift instead, say that. If you have no idea, say something silly—preferably in haiku form. After peanut butter balls and dishers, haikus are my favorite.
The Rules and Info:
- Please provide a continental U.S. shipping address. I can’t ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico. Sorry to my far-away and cross-border friends.
- Don’t enter if you’re my close relative. (If you want to join the family, you’re welcome—just don’t expect a disher. Or maybe you will… but not until Christmas.)
- You may comment as often as you like, but only one entry per person will be counted.
- The contest is open until Wednesday, 12 EST.
- This giveaway is sponsored by me—no corporations were involved or harmed in the making of this contest.