Recipe: Low-Fat Chewy Fruit Bars (using dates and apple)

LOW-FAT CHEWY FRUIT BARS

10 ounces all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 1/2 cups pitted dates
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, not packed
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13-by-18-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in mixing bowl; set aside.

In food processor fitted with blade, combine dates with 1/3 cup water and process until almost smooth. Add brown sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Pulse just until blended.

Stir date mixture and apples into flour mixture just until blended. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 25 minutes; do not overbake. Cool before cutting.

Makes 24 bars
Source: Washington Apple Commission