Peanut butter power bars

Prep time: 15 minutes, plus chilling. These no-bake bars make a great pre-workout bite or afternoon snack, with protein and healthy fats from peanut butter and fiber from oats and flax.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt)
• 1/3 cup raw honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation:

• Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment.
• Warm the peanut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
• Mix in the oats and flax until evenly coated. Let cool 5 minutes, then fold in the chocolate chips.
• Press firmly into the pan; the firmer you press, the better they hold together.
• Chill at least 1 hour, then cut into 12 bars. Store in the fridge for up to a week.