Abandon the feelings of guilt most of us experience when we have a treat! If we consume them in moderation and fill our plates with foods recommended by Canada’s Food Guide most of the time, then they are absolutely part of a healthy diet.

These easy treats can be made in minutes with only a microwave and refrigerator. They definitely hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet but some of the added nutrients like fibre and healthy fats help to balance the sugar, making them healthier than your average dessert.

Makes 12 bites

Ingredients:

1 cup natural peanut butter

1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

1 cup granola (or a mixture of toasted nuts, seeds and oats)

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, slowly melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter. If the peanut butter wasn’t refrigerated, you can just use it from room temperature. When microwaving chocolate, the trick is to go slow and stir often to prevent it burning. You can also do this in a double-boiler on the stove.
2. Once the chocolate and peanut butter are soft enough, stir together until smooth then add the granola and mix well.
3. Lay out a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a tray or container that can fit in your refrigerator. Take large spoonfuls of the mixture and dollop onto the papered tray, pressing them slightly to make sure there aren’t holes. Refrigerate until hardened, approximately 1 hour. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

Recipe by Max Crowley (age 7) and his mom, Nicole Fetterly, RD