Title: Honey-Date Bars *Low-Fat*
 Categories: Cookies, Desserts, Low-fat
   Servings: 18
 
----------------------------------FILLING----------------------------------
    3/4 c  Dates, pitted                     1/4 c  Raisins;
      1 c  Water;                            1/4 c  Honey;

-----------------------------------CRUST-----------------------------------
      2 c  Quick-cooking oats;                 1 c  Unbleached white flour;
      1 ts Baking powder;                      1 ts Cinnamon, ground
    1/2 ts Ginger, ground                    1/8 ts Nutmeg, ground
    1/4 ts Salt; optional                    1/2 c  Honey;
    1/4 c  Safflower oil;                    1/4 c  Applesauce;
      1 ts Vanilla extract               

 
  Preheat overn to 350F.  Lightly oil a 9-inch square baking pan. Filling: In
  a saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, raisins, and water; simmer 10
  minutes, or until fruit is very soft. Drain fruit (save poaching liquid).
  In a blender or food processor, puree fruit and honey, adding reserved
  liquid as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. Set aside. Crust: In
  a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg
  and salt if desired. IN another bowl, combine honey, oil, applesauce and
  vanilla, then add to dry ingredients. Stir until well blended. Divide dough
  into two parts.  Press half of dough into prepared baking pan to form a
  crust.  With a spatula, spread fruit filling over crust, making sure to
  spread to corners of the pan. Sprinkle remaining dough over the filling,
  again making sure to get to the corners of the pan. Gently pat the topping
  smooth. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely, then
  cut into 1 1/2 by 3" bars. Makes 18 bars. Whole wheat flour may be used.