Recipe for stress: Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars

Makes 24 / Although it would be great if we reached for broccoli instead of sweets when we’re stressed, there’s no need to feel guilty with these treats. Oats have a calming effect, and chocolate contains magnesium, believed to help ease anxiety. To make cookies instead of bars, drop tablespoons of dough onto a prepared cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes.

1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup natural cane sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or raisins

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together syrup, sugar, butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. In a medium bowl, mix together cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oats, flour, and walnuts. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Add chocolate chips or raisins and stir again until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.

3. Spread mixture evenly in pan. Bake on center rack for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Calories: 158 calories

% fat calories: 30

Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 21mg

Protein: 5g

Carbohydrate: 24g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 104mg