picnic perfect

CONSIDER THIS ANOTHER GREAT REASON TO TAKE IT OUTSIDE: Spending time in nature has been connected with lower cortisol levels and increased happiness. These portable alfresco mini-feasts make it easy to stay fueled while walking, hiking, or lounging in the yard.

- BY SAMANTHA MACAVOY

TRAIL FIX Stash these better-for-you bakes for your next strenuous hike. They contain carbs, protein, and fat for both immediate and long-lasting energy.

KITCHEN SINK CHOCOLATE PROTEIN COOKIES

ACTIVE 15 MIN.

TOTAL 30 MIN.

PLUS CHILLING

MAKES ABOUT 16

1 1/4 cups almond meal

1/2 cup chocolate protein powder

1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp kosher salt

6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup almond butter

4 large eggs

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups favorite mix-ins, such as mini pretzels, chopped peanuts, and banana chips or white chocolate chips, cacao nibs, and goji berries

1. Sift almond meal into medium bowl. Whisk in chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, oat flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. In large bowl, whisk together butter, both sugars, and almond butter. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. Add flour mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in desired mix-ins, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 min. to hydrate dough.

3. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1/4-cup mounds of dough (you should have about 16) and space evenly on prepared sheets. Press tops of cookies down to form flattened discs and bake 10 min. Rotate pans and bake until set around edges, about 3 min. more.

PER SERVING (1 COOKIE, WITHOUT MIX-INS) About 200 cal, 12.5 g fat (3.5 g sat), 60 mg chol, 146 mg sodium, 15 g carb, 2 g fiber, 10.5 g sugar (9.5 g added sugar), 8 g pro