No added sugar or fat, not a speck of cholesterol, hearty, fiber-rich, and great tasting - who could ask for more in a winner?

1 (8 oz.) pkg. pitted whole dates, snipped (NOT sugared)
1 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. boiling water
2 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 slightly beaten egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped almonds

In a medium mixing bowl combine dates and raisins. Pour boiling water over mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.

In large mixing bowl stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir egg whites and vanilla into cooled date mixture. Add date mixture and almonds to flour mixture; stir until well blended. (Mixture will be thick). Evenly spread in a lightly greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch baking pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool thoroughly on a wire rack. Wrap and store overnight before serving. Makes 1 loaf, 18 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 127 cal., 3 g pro., 26 g carbo., 2 g fat, 0 mg chol., 115 mg sodium, 224 mg potassium, 2 g dietary fiber.