For this recipe, you will need:
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter
- 1tsp of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tbsp of mini chocolate chips
BONUS TIP
Eager to test out this recipe but not sure if it is diabetic-friendly? Try exchanging some of the ingredients for these suggestions instead:
- Stevia blend
- Skim, almond, or soy milk
- Almond butter
- Almond extract
- Semi-sweet sugar free baking chips
No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Balls
Are those late-night cravings keeping you up at night? If so, then it’s time to throw your aprons on, grab your loved one, and head back into the kitchen for some more dementia-friendly cooking! With this simple six-ingredient recipe, you can work alongside your loved one at their own pace and within their own comfort level, helping them to feel included, productive, and creative throughout this activity.
Preparation
To make No-Bake Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Balls:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and milk over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a boil for about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Then, slowly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Remove your pan from the heat and mix in your old-fashioned rolled oats. Stir until the oats are evenly coated in the peanut butter mixture, and everything has cooled.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Using a spoon, scoop the oat mixture and roll into 1 inch balls, then place on waxed paper.
- Let cool and refrigerate.
**Tip: An important step in dementia-friendly cooking is to encourage your loved one to be as independent as comfortably possible throughout the preparation process. Guide your loved one with verbal and social queues as they scoop, pour, and mix each ingredient into the pan. Then, when it comes time to roll your peanut butter & chocolate chip balls, don’t be afraid to get a little messy! Dust your hands off on your apron and focus on connecting and laughing with your loved one.
Happy Baking, Rosemary
