Diabetic-friendly, low-fat dried apple and apricot bars.

Apple-Apricot Bars

3/4 cup chopped dried apples 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots 3 1/2 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes or 12 packets Equal® sweetener 1 cup water 5 tablespoons margarine, softened 1 3/4 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes or 6 packets Equal® sweetener 1 large egg 2 large egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Skim milk

Heat apples, apricots, 3 1/2 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes, and water to boiling in small saucepan; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until fruit is tender and water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Process mixture in food processor or blender until smooth; cool.
Beat margarine and 1 3/4 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes in medium bowl until fluffy; beat in egg, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix in combined flour, baking soda, and salt. Divide dough into 4 equal parts; roll each into a log about 5-inches long. Refrigerate, covered, until firm, about 2 hours.
Roll 1 piece dough on floured surface into rectangle 12 x 4-inches. Spread 1/4 of the fruit filling in a 1 1/2-inch strip in the center of dough. Fold sides of dough over filling, pressing edges to seal. Cut filled dough in half and place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and fruit filling.
Brush top of dough lightly with milk; bake in preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire racks; cut into 1 1/2-inch bars. Store in airtight container.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Information Per Serving Per Bar: Calories: 70, Protein: 1 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 7 mg, Sodium: 72 mg.

Food Exchanges: 1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread, 1/2 Fat.

Recipe provided courtesy of Merisant Corporation ® and the NutraSweet Company, makers of Equal®.