Almond Joy Crispy Balls

It amazes me how many new and "improved" kinds of candy bars there on the market these days. And honestly I can't help but laugh at some of the new claims such as 'full of antioxidants' '100 calorie' (ahem...glorified junk), low fat, low sugar, added fiber, dark chocolate, natural, etc etc. Ummmm...REALLY?! Is that what is has come down to? Shame.... junk is junk no matter how much you play it up as healthier.

Don't take me the wrong way, you know I love to whip up a dreamland of treats. But there is a big difference in those snazzy packaged goodies at the check-out line vs. something you put a little love into from your own kitchen. If you like Almond Joy candy bars, well girlfriend go ahead and jump for joy over these crispy little treats!

Almond Joy Crispy Balls

• 4 cups crispy brown rice cereal
• 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1/4 cup pure cocoa powder
• 4 packs stevia
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup roasted almond butter
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or local honey
• 2 tbsp light coconut milk

In a large sauce pan over medium heat 'melt' the maple syrup and almond butter, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn. You do NOT want to cook this....

Add in the cocoa, coconut milk and stevia, mixing until smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in the crispy cereal and coconut to evenly coat.

Scoop by tbsp and roll into evenly shaped and portioned balls. If you find your hands a bit sticky I lightly grease mine.

Let chill in fridge before serving.

Makes 16 balls
Per serving: 85 calories, 3.5g fat, 13g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g protein