An easy to make saucepan bar cookie that has only 4 grams of fat per serving. Equal and the dried fruit provide sweetness. A small amount of butter acts as the flavor carrier.

Date Nut Bars

1 1/4 cups water
1 cup pitted chopped dates
3/4 cup pitted chopped prunes
1/2 cup dark raisins
6 tablespoons stick butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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

1. 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, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Cool mixture to room temperature.
3. Beat eggs and vanilla into fruit mixture. Mix in combined flour, Equal®, baking soda, spices and salt. Spread batter in sprayed 8-inch square baking pan.
4. Bake in preheated 350°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. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.

Makes 24 servings.

* May substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener

Nutrition Information Per Serving: calories 101, protein 2 g, carbohydrate 15 g, fat 4 g, cholesterol 25 mg, sodium 84 mg.

Food Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.

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

Click for more information on the artificial sweetner Aspartame.