New Year New You: Protein Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies
New Year New You: Protein Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StartWithJifPowder #CollectiveBias
The month of January is now past the half way mark. Have you stuck to your New Year’s goals so far or had to adjust them a bit? I tend to keep certain areas of my life a bit vague (e.g. build memories with the family) so that I can easily adjust what I am doing to meet them. This includes my outlook on personal lifestyle goals which includes making sure my food delivers on nutritional needs for my body, like eating enough protein, and that I am staying active.
Having just spent a week in Las Vegas for business, it was a challenge to eat the way I prefer. My pocket book gravitated towards the carb laden dishes while my personal preference is for a heavier dose of protein and vegetation. Thankfully, I was able to fit in physical activity with multiple fast walks between the conference venue and neighboring spots for lower priced meals and a few nights at parties with dancing.
Now that I am back home it is a lot easier to control what goes into my mouth. Knowing that something with little nutritional value gives just a moment of pleasure before potentially converting into fat, I have a much easier time saying no to eating it. Yet, I like to have options to delight my taste buds (chocolate, anyone???) while delivering on nutritional must-haves like protein.
In the last few years, I witnessed the entry of peanut powder to the market. I joined others in ordering online so that I could drop the total calories when making things like a PB Cup meal replacement shake as the fat content and sugar are both reduced. I was tickled to see that I can easily purchase Jif Peanut Powder at my local Walmart and never worry about needing to wait for delivery by mail.
I grew up eating PB & J sandwiches using Jif, so I had my own expectations of how much I would enjoy the Jif Peanut Powder. This product cuts the fat 85% compared to traditional peanut butter without giving up all the nourishing protein. Plus, there is less calories and sugar when adding the delicious peanut taste to whatever dish you are making.
What truly impressed me, beyond having a chocolate option, is that Jif Peanut Powder is made from just one ingredient – fresh roasted peanuts. If you are eating it straight after rehydrating rather than in a dish, you’ll probably notice the lack of salt and sugar. This mama is actually loving this product as I don’t miss the sugar or salt in most things. (Note, Jif Chocolate Peanut Powder does contain semi-sweet chocolate and a dash of sugar.)
When deciding what to try out in my kitchen beyond smoothies, I decided to appeal to my sweet tooth and make a version of buckeye candies which would see a serious boost in nutritional value. This pack some serious protein in them, making it a great option for part of an afternoon snack or post-dinner treat.
Making Protein Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies
The first step is to reconstitute the peanut powder. I always start with less water than I need and add a bit more until the consistency is correct.
Other ingredients are then added: a bit of honey for sweetness, some ground flax seed for a boost of fiber and other nutrients, and vanilla protein powder to supercharge these candies with protein. I also added a pinch more of vanilla extract, although depending upon the protein powder you use it might be unnecessary.
Protein Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jif™ Peanut Powder
- 1/3 cup of water (to start)
- 1 scoop protein powder (I used vanilla)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- a scant Tbsp. of honey or agave nectar
- 2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 tsp. coconut oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, reconstitute the Jif™ Peanut Powder by adding 1/3 cup of water. Add small amounts of water until you reach a thick, yet creamy consistency.
- Add protein powder, vanilla extract, honey, and flax. Mix well.
- Using a melon baller or large soup spoon, scoop out approximately 2 Tbsp serving sizes and plop onto a lined cookie sheet. Place the sheet into the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilled, you can either form more perfect ball shapes by rolling or leave as is.
- To prepare the chocolate coating, place the chocolate chips into a microwaveable bowl and heat on low power until quite soft. Stir in the coconut oil.
- Using toothpicks, pick up each peanut ball and dip into the chocolate. Rotate to cover at least the bottom and sides. Place back onto the lined cookie sheet.
- When all balls are dipped in chocolate, place the sheet into the refrigerator to firm up.
- After about 30 minutes, you are ready to enjoy! Just make sure you store these in the refrigerator.
Here’s to a wonderful 2016 with the achievement of many goals for an improved life!
What are some ways that you would enjoy Jif Peanut Powder in your kitchen?
I love the taste of peanut butter! This is such a nice looking dessert.
I like using peanut butter powder. These would be so tasty and full of protein.
Peanut butter and chocolate is a combination I simply can not resist. I really appreciate that these are far less naughty then one would assume too!
I love my PB with chocolate combination, too. Having an option that packs a nutritional punch is something I’m glad to have now.
My husband would love these. Those are two of his favorite flavors.
I really want to try this powder in a smoothie in the mornings. It looks so easy to use! #client
I love peanut butter so these really appeal to me. I know my kiddos would love them too!
Just considering adding a pinch of salt and adjust the sweetness to taste. I like mine less sweet, but my boys are partial to full on sweetness.
These look delicious! I had never heard of peanut powder before seeing this at my local Walmart. I love the idea of having less salt and sugar in my recipes! {client}
This looks so yummy! I hope I can find the peanut powder here.
I believe it is throughout all of the US, but I’m not sure about Canada.
I’ve never seen that peanut powder before. Thanks for sharing!
I had no idea that Jiff makes a peanut butter powder now!! The sound like amazing candies, love that they have protein and chocolate!
This actually looks delish. I didn’t even know there was such a thing a peanut powder.
I have adored peanut butter powder for a few years now. But, the one I was ordering online has both salt and sugar in it.