April 19, 2014

Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Treats

April 19, 2014

I made two batches of these Puffed Quinoa Balls, one that used butter and confectioners sugar, but they tasted way too sweet . This version came out a lot better and it’s also healthier, but I  will post the other one later on down the line.

 For Easter this year I wanted a fun treat for the kids, and have been experimenting with a couple different recipes this one came out the best. Taste like a chocolate peanut butter cup actaully. You can use a different nut butter, almond, hazelnut whichever you have on hand, even use crunchy peanut butter.
 The sweet taste comes from honey and with just heating the butter, this is put together in under 30 minutes. The puffed quinoa is like a softened version of rice crispy treats, I love them!

 

Ingredients
2 cup puffed quinoa
It’s really popped quinoa. To make it – heat a skillet until it’s hot. Drop some quinoa in the pan if it’s hot enough you will hear popping noises, wait until you hear the popping noises with your test batch before adding more. Once test batch starts popping add more of the quinoa and heat till it’s popping a lot. It will be slightly golden brown and slightly “puffed” or roasted. It only takes minutes so don’t burn, keep the skillet moving while it pops.  I found a bag of puffed quinoa at the store and used them for this but have popped quinoa before. You can burn it easily so be careful.   I found this post helpful on popping the quinoa

1 cup peanut butter or any other nut butter you have.
8  tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Melting chocolate , I used 3 blocks of candy coating chocolate to heat up and had a little left over still.

  • If you don’t have quinoa or you don’t want to pop it you can use rice crispy cereal, I’m sure it will come out great . *

Directions
In a small skillet combine the peanut butter , honey an vanilla up till just melted. Pour in the puffed Quinoa. Mix until it’s all covered well. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes or the freezer for 5 till firm . You just want it cold so dipping will be easier. Next heat the candy coating up in a small pan, while it is melting take the mixture out, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out mixture.

 Form each into a small ball set back in freezer or fridge until you have all the balls done. Now for dipping into chocolate. You can cover them completely ( you’ll need more chocolate) or cover half. Sprinkle with sprinkles if using and set on wire rack covered in wax paper to cool. Repeat with other balls until finished.

They came out great! I love how fast you can make them, it’s a quick little treat the kids and adults will enjoy this Easter.

Quick how many times did I say Quinoa in this post! ha

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