heart healthy chocolate energy bites {2 ways}

**Disclosure:  I am working with CocoaVia to develop various recipes using their Daily Cocoa Extract Supplement packets.  I received their product in exchange for recipes and blog posts.  All opinions are my own.**

Happy Valentine's Day!  Matt and I have never been big celebrators of the looooove holiday.  We usually get each other something small, like candy or a beer, and we might spend the evening out at dinner.  This year, we are doing just that - grabbing some sushi takeout and heading to our now famous bar for a beer, just the 2 of us.  It'll be a nice date night out after a long and stressful week (and I didn't even work a full week).Not only is it Valentine's Day, but did you know February is Heart Health Month?  I missed Wear Red Day last week since I was off school, so technically I am celebrating today by wearing my red to help bring awareness to heart disease in women.  I am also celebrating by sharing this yummy recipe with you!

I have been working with CocoaVia to develop recipes for a few months now, but I think February is the best month to promote CocoaVia because of it's cardiovascular benefits.  Just one serving of CocoaVia, whether in capsule form or in their supplement sticks (which are my personal favorite), provides you with your daily dose of cocoa flavanols.  Cocoa flavanols help promote healthy blood circulation, which in turn leads to good cardiovascular health.Heart Disease is actually the number one killer of women, mostly because it goes undetected.  The more you can do to help promote cardiovascular health, the less likely you will end up with heart disease.  Of course, exercise is a great way to promote cardiovascular health, but a daily dose of cocoa flavanols in CocoaVia can also help give you an extra boost.These sweet little energy bites are the perfect way to get your daily boost of flavanols.  And not only are they heart healthy, they are absolutely delicious!  And for a more indulgent treat, dip them in dark chocolate!  Yummy!Heart Healthy Chocolate Energy BitesMakes 18 bites.1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter2 packets CocoaVia sweetened dark chocolate supplement1 packet CocoaVia cran-raspberry supplement2 cups gluten free crispy rice cereal1 tablespoon chia seeds1 tablespoon hemp seeds1/4 cup honey or maple syrupMelt peanut butter in a bowl for a few minutes so it's easier to work with.  Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix until combined.  Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape into balls and place on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet.  Place in the freezer for an hour to firm up and serve.

For the chocolate covered energy bites:  Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips with 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil.  Using a fork, dip the bites into the chocolate until fully coated and place on a wax-paper-covered cookie sheet.  Place in the freezer for an hour to firm up and serve.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.