Applesauce makes an excellent fat substitute. It still creates the desired moisture and texture that fats create but only a fraction of the calories. Here are some recipes to try:
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
1 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp all purpose flour, divided
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1 egg white
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup skim milk
Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. In small bowl toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour. In large bowl, combine remaining 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, lemon peel and salt. In another small bowl combine applesauce, sugar, whole egg, egg white and oil. Stir applesauce mixture into flour mixture alternately with milk. Mix just until moistened then fold in blueberries, gently. Spoon evenly into prepared pan and bake for approx. 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. 1 muffin = 150 cal, 3 g fat, 20mg cholesterol
OATMEAL COOKIES
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup cinnamon applesauce
2 tbsp margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. In small bowl combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt. In large bowl place applesauce. Cut in margarine with pastry blender or fork until pea-sized pieces form. Add sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla, stir until well blended. Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture and stir well. Fold in oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes then remove to wire racks. Makes 3 dozen cookies. 1 cookie = 60 cal, 1g fat, 5mg cholesterol