5-Minute Protein Truffles

Mix the nut or seed butter, honey, and salt in a medium bowl until blended.

Add the protein powder, stirring until completely combined (mixture will be firm).

Protein powders vary in terms of their dryness. Hence if the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more protein powder, or some ground oats or flaxseed meal, until the mixture comes together as a dough. If the mixture seems too dry, add some milk (nondairy or dairy) or water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together as a dough.

Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture into your hands and shape into 1-inch balls.

If desired, place one or more of the suggested coatings in small shallow dishes.

Roll each ball in the coating, gently pressing to adhere.

Place the balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

BAR TIPS –If you prefer, mix up to 3 tablespoons of any of the suggested coatings directly into the dough instead of using as a coating.–A box of these beauties makes a great hostess gift or present in general, especially to the fitness and health foodie friends in your life.–1/2 cup all-natural, sweetened vanilla or chocolate vegan protein powder may be used in place of the whey protein powder.BAR KEEPING Store in an airtight container.REFRIGERATOR: 1 week FREEZER: 3 months in airtight container; thaw 15 minutesBAR VARIATIONS CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS Use peanut butter for the nut butter and chocolate protein powder in place of the vanilla protein powder.

Add 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened, natural cocoa powder (not Dutch process) and 1 1/2 tablespoons water along with the honey.MOCHA JAVA BALLS Use chocolate protein powder in place of the vanilla protein powder.

Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, dissolved in 2 teaspoons warm water, along with the honey.GINGERBREAD PROTEIN BALLS Use 3 tablespoons dark (cooking) molasses for the sweetener and add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves along with the protein powder.SNICKERDOODLE PROTEIN BALLS

Add 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg along with the protein powder.

Add 3 tablespoons chopped raisins to the dough before rolling into balls.

Roll the balls in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.

Power Hungry™

Reprinted with permission from Power Hungry™ by Camilla V. Saulsbury, © 2013 Lake Isle Press