Apples are basic ingredient of fruit bars

Apples are a basic ingredient of wholesome fruit bars the home cook can make for family snacking. And, especially at this season, apples are not going to be far from any cook's reach.

For the low-fat chewy fruit bars, Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples would be suitable. They are teamed with dates, spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and a dash of nutmeg. Bake in 25 minutes, for a batch of 24 bars.

Low-Fat Chewy Fruit Bars

10 ounces all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon 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 F. Spray coat 13-by-18-inch baking sheet.

Blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in mixer bowl. In food processor fitted with blade, combine dates with 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.

Nutrition information per serving: 212 cal.,2.4 g pro., 45 g carbo., 3 g fiber, 3.8 g fat, 18 mg chol., 170 mg sodium.