Take a Coffee Break with a Snack Recipe

 Did you take a coffee break today?? Many workers will take a short break as a daily occurrence. The small break is known by many as a coffee break. However, can you imagin if that small break never occurred?? A coffee break came about not in the usual easy way but it involved a few different steps: 

Coffee is a beverage that has been enjoyed by individuals for centuries. In fact, there has been signs found in Ethiopia that coffee was present in the 15th century. A few hundred years later and coffee would become popular in Europe as well. In the beginning though coffee was not for everyone in fact it was for the elite and was normally sold in the larger European cities. Thus, the businesses that sold coffee known as coffee houses became known as places where important news of social stance and political means could be found. 

Since that time coffee has branched out through out the world. There are millions of Americans drinking coffee either black, with sugar or cream or however else they wish. That is still alot of coffee drinkers. One place in particular where coffee is drunk is the office. But when and how does one find time?? 

The term "coffee break" entered  the situation to allow time for workers to refuel, recharge and chat with fellow workers. But when did this event occur and why??? 

It appears in 1955 a court case involving the United States and Phil Greinetz who owned a Denver tie factory known as Los Wigwam Weavers. The story goes that the owner had implemented two 15 minute coffee breaks that must take place. It seems the breaks were not to favor the workers but the owners. He had noticed that the coffee drinking had kept the workers energized and productive and needed in his opinion. However, these two mandated coffee breaks were not payable in other words they were required but the workers were also off the clock when the breaks occurred. However, there are other stories of how the coffee break first came about but in the end they were allowed and now are paid time as well. So go ahead take a coffee break keep busy and succesful. 

Next time you are on a coffee break why not share a little snack with the others

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats*
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (roughly 10–12 dates)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (only add if using unsalted nut butter)
• 2 tbsp  milk
• 1 cup puffed brown rice cereal*

Chocolate and Toppings (optional)

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Add the oats, dates, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and milk to a food processor and blend into a really thick paste 
• Next, add the puffed rice cereal and work it into the peanut butter mixture with your hands. You can either do this inside the food processor container with the blade removed, or transfer the dough to a bowl and work it in there.
• Once well distributed, roll the dough into 2 tablespoon sized balls. Place onto a large plate or pan lined with parchment paper if you plan to add the chocolate. Otherwise, just place them into whichever container you plan to store them in. You should end up with about 20-22 energy balls total. 
• For the chocolate, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat safe container in the microwave. Heat in 30 second intervals, mixing between each time, until smooth (it should only take 60 seconds total).
• You can either drizzle the chocolate on top or dunk half of each ball in the chocolate. Top with chopped peanuts if desired. 
• Let the balls chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set. Then transfer to a storage container and enjoy! 
• Store the energy balls in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 10 days. recipe source here
• shared at facebook group Twitter / Pinterest fans --- retweet as well as twitter like
• shared at blog party Dare to Share            Sunday Sunshine
• Please consider sharing this post on facebook or retweeting