These Almond Butter & Jelly Balls make an ideal wholesome back-to-school snack to help you get back into a routine—even if you’re not actually heading back to class.

You guuuuys! September is a hot second a way, which means back to school season is upon us. In my mind that just means schools supplies are literally everywhere. It’s everywhere—cue a downpour of pens and notebooks raining from the sky. And right along with it comes the ever-present peanut butter and jelly, or, in my case, almond butter and jelly. These are two thing I don’t hate. Pens and AB&J.

Originally, I was going to use this recipe as an excuse to talk about how weird it is to not be going back to school, but then it kind of hit me that it doesn’t feel that weird anymore. Is that weird? (haha ok, I won’t say weird again… ok maybe a little)

Today I was going to my gym which is close to BU’s campus and there were just herds of students. Rather than feeling nostalgic or slightly jealous I felt totally removed. They seemed so young. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved college. So many incredible memories and so many amazing learning experiences. Not an ounce of regret. But no part of me wants to go back. Mind you, if I had a way to get all my college friends living in the same city, that I would do in a heart beat. But go back to school. Nah, I’m good.

So many people told me that college would be the best years of my life, and yeah they were good, but I want to live my life in a way that every year gets better. Every year I’m smarter, kinder, more compassionate, building bigger goals, in short every year I want to be better. I get it, there will be tough years, but I just don’t think any good can come of obsessing over how good the past was.

But yeah, pens are just everywhere man. Everywhere. Oh and these balls! We haven’t even gotten to the BALLS (can you see that I’m hyped about these?) They literally taste like a bit of an almond butter and jelly sandwich but with ball-y texture.

You can totally make them with peanut butter too, I just prefer almond butter. Oh and the jam? Totally up to you, again I just love me some strawberry jam.

I will warn you, when you’re rolling them they’ll be a bit sticky (but most balls are). Luckily they harden in the fridge (as most balls do…sorry I couldn’t help myself 😛 ). I even keep them in the freezer if I’m packing them for lunch to make sure they don’t get too melty/sticky.

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Your Turn:

• College students: What are you most excited for this year?
• Oldies Graduates: How long did it take you to stop feeling “weird” that you weren’t going back?

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