Basic No-Bake Protein Bar

I've been making and slowly modifying this bar for years. The original recipe is by Stella Juarez and it has served me very well! 
This recipe is a no-bake, which makes it wonderful for making at night to have in the morning as a quick breakfast or makes for a fantastic snack post-workout. They are also really easy to travel with, making them a smart choice for packed lunches or snacks.

I love eating these with a smudge of almond butter next to a tall glass of water.

I suggest really taking your time to find a good protein powder for these. The flavor of the protein powder really does come through, so you have to be okay with it's taste.

Yield: 9 square bars

1/3 C nut butter of your choosing

1 C Oatmeal, uncooked (GF)

132 g chocolate protein powder (this is a bit less than 1 1/2 Cups worth, or 6 scoops, depending on the size of your scoop)

1 t vanilla extract

2 T flax meal

1 C non-fat dry milk

1/2 C water, extra if necessary

Add the oatmeal, protein powder, flax meal, and dry milk powder to a bowl. Stir to combine. Add in the nut butter and mix lightly. Now, add in the water. The water will dissolve the dry milk powder, making the mixing process much easier. You will definitely have to work a little to incorporate all of the dry ingredients, only adding extra water if necessary.

Spray, or prepare and 8 x 8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or with parchment. 

Press the 'dough' mixture into the baking dish, and smooth it out evenly.

Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours or overnight.

Cut into 9 squares.

I like to keep these in a Ziploc bag the fridge, stacked with parchment in between each layer. They store well for up to a week. 

Mmmm, oat-y, chocolaty goodness.

What is a recipe that you have been making for years?

Notes: 

• If you do not like the chewy texture of the oats, the whole cup of oatmeal can be ground to a flour using a blender, for a softer consistency. 
• Sella's original recipe calls for half of the oatmeal ground into a flour. Play with the recipe and tailor to how your liking!
• These are a fantastic source of protein. Depending on the protein powder, they can contain around 20 grams of protein! 

Cheers,
     Suzy