AIP Recipe: Collagen lemon bites

AIP, no-cook, bites sweetened with honey recipe. These little puppies can be a nice snack or served up for dessert. Full of collagen protein, coconut fiber and healthy MCT fats for a quick and filling energy-boosting snack.

AIP recipes (autoimmune protocol) are a relatively new, approach to eliminating unwanted inflammation in a person's body by eliminating high risk foods. Reducing inflammation will help heal your gut and reduce symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions.

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
2. Zest of 1 large lemon
3. 3/4 cup shredded coconut
4. 1/2 cup coconut butter
5. 2 Tablespoons of honey
6. Pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt
7. 2 Tablespoons of collagen peptides
8. 1/4 tsp pure lemon oil - optional for more flavor (add zest of one more lemon if desired instead)
9. Coconut sugar, optional for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss the shredded coconut in to your food processor and spin until you have a finely ground coconut powder
2. Add in coconut butter to the processor and pulse until the two have mixed evenly.
3. (If your coconut butter is too firm and you are having a hard time removing it from the jar, insert a butter knife vertically into the jar and wiggle it back and forth until you get chunks or shavings.)
4. Add all remaining ingredients to the coconut mixture and then pulse until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Use your hands or a one tablespoon scoop to firmly form and press into one tablespoon sized balls. I like to flatten the bottoms to make them easier to place on a dish, but if you can keep them in a round, circular shape if you prefer them to be balls.
6. (Optional) Sprinkle with coconut sugar if want them to be a bit sweeter!
7. To keep them fresh as long as possible, store the bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
8. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator. They will be very firm straight from the fridge, and can be eaten cold. They can be left on the counter to soften for about an hour if you want a softer bite. You can also put them in a pan on low heat for a minute to make them a warm snack.