Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Bites

I've seen a bunch of these little no-bake-cookie-dough-ball-bites rolling around the internet for quite some time now. Yet, I've never really had the itch to make them. I don't really know why. They're easy, delicious, pretty healthy and fun to make! I guess it's because I knew I'd gobble up all those little guys at once, so why even try. In terms of sweets...my willpower leaves a lot to be desired.... Well, I'm happy to say that yesterday I put on my big girl underpants and I made some of these little mofos. They were super easy and very tasty. And I exhibited excellent willpower in only eating one ball...and maybe several gobs of dough off the spatula. Okay, so it might have ended up to be about the equivalent of 3-4 balls. That's not too bad. Right?

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough BitesJust look how cute they are! Peppermint Mocha Kahlua is amazing, by the way. I've been using it in my coffee lately but it was begging to be used in a recipe! And no, I am not a Kahlua spokesperson. Maybe I should be though...Anyways, these little cookie dough bites are sweet and nutty and mimic the texture of raw cookie dough perfectly. The cacao nibs lend a rich, dark chocolate crunch!

Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Bites

Inspired by Lauren Conrad

Makes 12 bites

  • 2/3 cup raw cashews
  • 1/3 cup dry oats
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 Tbsp. maple syrup 
  • 2 tsp. Peppermint Mocha Kahlua
  • 1 drop of peppermint extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup cacao nibs
  • finishing salt, for topping (optional)

In a food processor, add the oats and processor until they are the texture of flour. Add in the cashews, and pulse until the nuts are pulverized and mixed in well.

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough BitesNow, add in the remaining ingredients except for the cacao nibs and pulse until very well combined. 

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough BitesStir in the cacao nibs by hand.

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Bites

Spray your hands with a nonstick cooking spray and roll the bites into little balls. Top with a sprinkle of finishing salt, if you wish! 

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough Bites

Cover the leftovers and keep in the fridge.

Produce On Parade - Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough BitesListening to The City and Horses – Pretty Pretty

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Green Mocha Banana Smoothie

Oh man, I was the biggest social butterfly this weekend. As you may know...this is not in my nature. Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Megan, from Allergy Free Alaska. She is such a beautiful person, head on over to her blog to check out more. I also went for a wonderful Fall walk with my best BFF and then on Sunday, Todd and I went for a lovely Fall walk as well. Make sure to like Produce On Parade on Facebook to see all those gorgeous Alaska pictures! I also visited my Dad, gosh, it was just a socially packed weekend for me! Obviously, by the end of Sunday, I was exhausted. My social facilitates are pretty lacking. I'm working on it. What else's a hermit to do!?

I was too tired to cook pretty much all weekend, so come Sunday night I came to the sad realization that I didn't have anything to post. I knew in the morning I was going to make a smoothie so I decided to share that breakfast with you guys. The smoothie I made was my Green Mocha Banana Smoothie. It's the perfect way to start a dreary Monday. I might have used leftover coffee from Sunday...

Produce On Parade - Green Mocha Banana Smoothie

Okay, so you don't have to use leftover coffee for this. I know, I know...coffee lovers all around the world just died upon hearing that I use leftover coffee. Oh the humanity of it all! What? Come on now. It's really not that big of a deal. It's in a smoothie after all! However, if this absolutely repulses you and you feel so inclined, you can make a fresh batch. Just let it chill or get to room temperature before using it. I just can't stand to waste anything so...hurray for this smoothie!

Besides boasting a smooth mocha flavor, this smoothie is free from refined sugar as it is sweetened with dates. Go fiber! It also packs in a nutritional punch with fresh spinach, unsweetened cocoa powder and coffee beans. The frozen bananas lend a creamy consistency. Get your morning in gear with a full cup of coffee!

Oh by the way, super exciting for me and not at all relatable to this post...I got the new gold iPhone 5s! Yes, I am a gangsta. It's my precious. All my apps stopping working on my super dope iPhone 3 so...yea...saaad.

Green Mocha Banana Smoothie

Serves 2

Inspired by my leftover coffee

  • 1 1/2 cups brewed coffee (room-temperature or chilled)
  • 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp. whole coffee beans (or 1/2 Tbsp. ground coffee) - optional
  • 2 frozen bananas, chunked
  • 1 large handful of fresh spinach
  • 2 large Medjool dates, pitted
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of nutmeg

Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high for a good minute or two.

Produce On Parade - Green Mocha Banana Smoothie Produce On Parade - Green Mocha Banana Smoothie Produce On Parade - Green Mocha Banana Smoothie

You'll want to make sure that the coffee beans are completely ground. Serve in two tall glasses. A straw if you're like me (metal or glass, please) or sans straw if you're like Todd and slurp away for a great jumpstart on your day and a whallop of nutrition to boot!

Produce On Parade - Green Mocha Banana Smoothie

Dad, you'll probably like this one. I'm listening to The Tallest Man On Earth – Walk the Line

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