For variety, replace 1/4 cup of the raisins with currants and golden raisins.

4 fresh tart baking apples
2 tbsp. diet margarine
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice
2 tbsp. chopped dates
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. arrowroot
4 packets Equal

Core apples completely. Mix raisins, dates, cinnamon and 1 tablespoon margarine. Stuff apples with mixture and top each with pat of remaining margarine. Reserve any remaining raisin mixture to add to sauce. Place in shallow baking pan. Pour 1 cup apple juice over apples. Bake in preheated 275 degree F. oven 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove apples; reserve juice in pan. In small bowl, blend arrowroot with remaining 1/2 cup apple juice. Pour into baking dish; stir to blend with cooked apple juices. Pour juice mixture into saucepan; add any reserved raisin mixture. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat. Add Equal. Pour sauce over apples. Serve warm.

Calories per serving: 241
"Traditional" calories: 352
Diabetic exchange: 3 1/2 fruit, 1 fat
Makes 4 servings, 1 apple per serving.