This is an old family recipe that we recently adapted to our eating habits. As you know, we try to cook and eat quite healthily, but certainly love desserts and cook them every once in a while as well. We tend to adapt classic recipes with a healthy twist when possible. The original recipe was full of butter and sugar but found some great substitutes. Applesauce (recipe to come) was substituted for 1 egg and 1/4 cup of butter. Applesauce keeps the bars moist and adds a great sweetness and freshness. We also took out half of the sugar and substituted regular flour with whole wheat flour. The whole wheat flour adds a wonderful richness and nuttiness to the finished product. Try these bars as a healthier dessert or a filling afternoon snack.
Date Nut Bars
2 cups dates, chopped
1/3 cup boiling water
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350°. Pour boiling water over chopped dates and allow to soak. In a separate bowl cream butter, spices, and sugar together. Mix in egg, applesauce, and vanilla. Add dates and water. Mix in flour and baking soda, being careful not to over mix. Fold in nuts. Spread into greased 8x8 baking pan. Bake for about 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges pull away from side. Cool in pan and slice into bars. Makes 16 bars.
