Apple-Date Cakes

What is happening to the Autumn in Iowa?!? Last week it was absolutely beautiful, not too cold, and all sorts of reds, oranges, and golds in the trees. And this week? So far, it's cold, windy and grey. The leaves are almost gone, and I have a feeling that the snow might come too early...In order to take my mind off of the impending winter (it's only October, Iowa, please don't do this), I've been baking some more Autumn-themed goodies! Today's creation, is, I've gotta say, to-die-for. OMG, these apple-date cakes. They're slightly chewy, and somewhere between cake and bread in the texture. I love the texture, but can't seem to find the best way to describe it! Guess you'll have to try making them and report back your opinions, darn ;) The flavor is rich, mildly spicy, and sweet (but not overly-sweet). These have to be the perfect fall dessert. They have everything going for them: they're healthy, low-cal, oil-free, gluten-free, super easy to make, and absolutely decadent. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

3/4 cup chopped dates

1 finely diced green apple, peeled before dicing

1 cup water

1.5 cups quick oats

1 cup Splenda (or sugar)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375.

Peel and dice the green apple very finely.

In a small saucepan over the stovetop, bring the water to a boil. In the meantime, collect the diced apple and chopped dates and place them in a small glass or metal (just not plastic!) bowl. Something that will hold 2 cups of water will be large enough. Pour the boiling water over the apple and dates and stir a couple times. Now, set that bowl aside and let it cool off a little.

Pulse the quick oats a few times in a blender or food processor, until they form a flour. Transfer this flour to a mixing bowl and add in the Splenda (or sugar), cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry and stir together very well.

Lightly grease an 8x8 pan, and pour the entire contents of the mixing bowl in to it. Sprinkle the top with extra cinnamon, if you like.

Place in the oven and bake for 24 minutes, remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes before trying to cut. Then, cut into 9 pieces, serve, and enjoy!! (Yummm!)

Notes:

Makes 9 servings at right about 100 calories each.