Adirondack Applesauce and Date Bars

A new twist on a old favorite. From my dear Ms Nola.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 cup margarine (or butter)
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 cup  egg beaters  fat-free liquid egg product (or 1 large egg)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  cup chunky applesauce
• 1  cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts (or pecans)
•  nonstick cooking spray
• 2  tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Over a medium mixing bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and set aside.
3. In another medium mixing bowl, add margarine and sugar. Using an electric mixer on high, beat mixture until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well blended. Add applesauce, dates and nuts and, using a rubber spatula, stir until blended. Fold in flour mixture until well combined.
4. Coat a 9-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Pour into prepared pan and bake in center of oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Place on wire rack and cool completely in pan.
5. When cooled, cut into bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving. Wrap bars and store in air-tight container.