APRICOT AND APPLE BARS

1 cup dried apricots, chopped
2 medium apples, peeled, cored and finely diced
4 ounces 100-percent apple juice
3/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup drained applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 2/3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 1/4 cup old-fashion oats

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

In a sauce pan over medium-low heat, add apricots, apples and apple juice; simmer 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then puree in a blender or food processor.

In a bowl, beat margarine, drained apple sauce and sugar until creamy. Fold in flour and oats.

Spread a little more than half the flour mixture in the baking pan. Spread apricot mixture evenly over the top. Cover with remaining flour mixture and press down lightly.

Bake 30 minutes or until golden. Cut into 16 bars while still in the pan and let cool before removing. Store in an airtight container.

Servings: 16

Nutrition values per serving: 114 calories, .65 g fat (trace saturated), 25 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein, 0 cholesterol, 5 mg sodium.

Adapted from source: The New American Plate Cookbook by the American Institute for Cancer Research