I remember stumbling into the kitchen at 2am, staring into my vacant refrigerator and wanting to cry with hunger.  Whether you’ve been able to breastfeed or not, caring for baby in those early weeks is incredibly physically demanding—and requires a bit of chocolate now and then. 

 “Quick Energy Pick-ups” are the perfect solution for a starving momma.  The recipe has been tweaked a bit from its original form, but it’s still pretty marvelous, easy to make, and long-lasting.   It’ll take you about ten minutes to prepare, won’t require baking, and can easily accommodate vegans if you use graham crackers.    Since these keep well in the fridge, you might want to double the recipe and munch on them for as long as they’ll last.

No-Bake Quick Energy Pick-Ups

  • 2/3 Cup flaked coconut
  • 1 Cup powdered sugar (you can substitute ½ C. honey for this and then add some wheat germ to thicken up the dough)
  • 1 Cup peanut butter (or almond butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re trying to avoid peanuts)
  • 1 Cup chocolate chips or raisins
  • ½ Cup nonfat dry milk or crushed graham crackers
  • 3 Tablespoons water

 Mix all ingredients except coconut in a medium bowl.

 Roll dough into balls and then roll in coconut mixture to coat.

 Refrigerate until you pop them into your mouth at 2am!