Protein Energy Balls with Dark Chocolate

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oats (I recommend quickly grinding half of the oats in a blender for a better texture), protein powder, chia seeds and salt.

Add the wet ingredients: peanut butter, honey and vanilla. If the peanut butter is hard (straight from the fridge), warm it in the microwave for 20 seconds first so it becomes liquid. This will make mixing easier.

Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or (best) with your hands. The mixture should be sticky and compact. Do a test: take a handful of the mixture and squeeze it. If it falls apart and is too dry (depending on the type of protein), add a spoonful of water or milk and mix again.

Fold in the dark chocolate pieces. Be careful not to knead the mixture too much, so the chocolate doesn't melt from the heat of your hands.

Using your hands, shape 12–14 walnut-sized balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly moisten your palms with water.

Place the balls on a plate or baking tray and put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, they will keep for up to one week.