Date-Nut Bars

24% calorie reduction from traditional recipe

1 1/4 cups water
1 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup pitted chopped prunes
1/2 cup dark raisins
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped nuts

*May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Combine water, dates, prunes and raisins in medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until fruit is tender and water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Cool mixture to room temperature.

Beat eggs and vanilla into fruit mixture. Mix in combined flour, Equal, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Spread batter evenly in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes 24 servings

Nutrition information per serving (1 bar): 101 calories; 2 grams protein; 15 grams carbohydrate; 9 grams sugar; 4 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 25 milligrams cholesterol; 84 milligrams sodium; 1 gram fiber

Food exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat