She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31

Monday, June 16, 2008

From My Kitchen ~ Applesauce vs. Oil

I'm probably the last person on the planet who hasn't heard about this little secret BUT just in case there is someone out there who is just as in the dark as me ... I wanted to share this little fat reducing baking tip.



All you do is replace the oil in your baked goods recipes with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. You can do this in quickbreads, muffins, cakes and even brownies. The applesauce actually makes your cakes a little fluffier. Of course, if you want really fudgy brownies you can use 1/2 oil & 1/2 applesauce as well. Just experiment with the substitution amounts to achieve the results that you like.

It is really good and a nice way to cut calories without giving up all those goodies we love!



Today I am thankful for:
11. Finding a long lost friend
12. A testimony of faith & healing
13. Time to sew aprons
14. Happy children
15. More rain

Enjoy,
Lea

22 comments:

Linda said...

Nope.. you weren't the last.. I guess I was! *lol*

In Italy, 'we' always use yoghurt and a little vegetable oil (like a cup of yoghurt and 1/4 cup oil) instead of butter for baking.

I must say it does taste just a little more dry.....

I'm going to try the applesauce thing! And then have my husband taste it, since I'm still on the Atkins diet.. hehe..

By the way.. that soft scrub..! I made a batch yesterday, and I had sooooo much fun with it that I finished it all.. everything is SHINY now! I especially love that it wipes off so easily.. (as opposed to 'real' soft scrub, that always leaves those little grains when you don't properly rinse afterwards)

greetings from holland!

Juri said...

Wow...this is new to me, too! I am definitely going to try the applesauce idea...it will give me an excuse to be able to continue eating the goodies! Thanks!!!

LindaSue said...

I knew it but like so many calorie saving things - conveniently forgot about it! Thank you for reminding me. Thank you also for posting about Cora - I hadn't been to her blog in a while so wasn't aware. Bless you and thanks for coming by my blog - your green enamelware pot is exactly what I meant - something you use and like in your kitchen.

Kindra-At Home With K said...

Great tip on the cake! I will have to try that too! We are thankful for rain also just right now. Us midwestern states are hoping it stays away for awhile.

Anonymous said...

I know about the applesauce trick, but haven't thought about doing it in a while. I'm glad you reminded me, though, since I discovered this week that the price of oil had doubled since I last purchased it. Applesauce might actually be cheaper as well as healthier. :)

Enjoying your blog!

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

I, too, knew about the applesauce thingy, and every time I added that oil to my baking, I thought about it, but either didn't have the applesauce or didn't know the measurements! Thanks for the reminder of a great thing!

And I love your thank you list!

Cora

Deb said...

Now Lea, you know I needed this, so maybe I'll make a cake today. Deb

Katy said...

Does it still taste as good Lea?

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such kind and thoughtful comments!

My mom substitues applesauce for oil in some things, and it works very well! You can't even tell there's been a substitute! And it's much healthier. :)

Pam said...

I have heard of this before, but I haven't tried it yet.
Hope you are having a wonderful week,
Pam

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Lea,

You are really the niftiest, thriftiest ladies! Thanks for that tip!

I love all the things you're thankful for today!

You have a great Tuesday, Lea!
~Tammy

Renna said...

I've heard of that tip for many years, though I'm not quite sure why I've never bothered trying it. I will, the next time I bake a cake.

Mmm...speaking of cakes, now I want one! ;-)

The Stricklands said...

I am sitting here laughing at myself - I read your post while I was eating a very high calorie store-bought cookie :0) I obviously need the reminder that there are other (healthier) options out there! I am trying the soft scrub recipe today. I think my cookie has given me enough energy to tackle my bathroom - lol!

Julie said...

I have heard that little tip. I have a really good applesauce chocolate chip cookie recipe that maybe I will post one day. Thanks for sharing. Julie

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

My Sara does this. Course she has a sweet tooth and 2 boys so she has to bake almost everyday. They don't like store bought. The applesauce makes great brownies, cookies and cakes--really moist. I don't bake sweets that often but I am making a strawberry rhubarb cake tomorrow for hubby's birthday. Get enough fruit in there, you don't need sugar!

Sugarplum Cottage said...

I've done this for several years and really like it better than the oil. I'm going to the grocery tomorrow to get some baking soda, I have yet to try your scrubing cleaner. May even get me in the mood to clean. I'm just waiting for you to come up with a substitute for gasoline. Take your time, we'll wait, till you get the recipe down pat. Luv ya, Rose

Chanda said...

I have been doing this for years. It really works. Even in a boxed cake mix, I can't tell in the difference of taste. I also never ever fry anything other than an occasional egg, we always bake with a quick spray of pam. It makes things brown nicely and the salt sticks to food better. I don't eat fryed foods, so I can slather my garden fresh lettuce with bacon GREASE and vinegar HA! I love wilted lettuce salad. I don't know what could be more fattening.

Paula said...

Wow- how neat! Thanks so much Lea.. I now have a great excuse to indulge my sweet tooth!! (Like that ever stopped me before.. LOL)
I'm so sorry about your garden.... I wish I could do something for you... you come over and I'll let you have all the veggies you want out of my garden!!

Julie said...

I did not know about this, Miss Lea! You are so sweet to share these things with us!

Hope that everyone is doing well at your home!

Blessings,
Julie

Anne Fannie said...

no, you weren't the last with me either....I never heard of that! Thanks for the tip.

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

I'd heard of the applesauce thing before but couldn't remember the ratio. I'm so glad you shared!
Patricia :o)

naomisnotions said...

That is a Yummy looking cake!!! I have heard of this before, but haven't tried it yet! :)

Naomi