Shocking but true, the applesauce trick works!

This is so not me. I would NEVER do this on my own, ever. Just the thought of it used to make me cringe. Brownies are one of life's greatest pleasures, especially the chewy, rich, fudgy ones. For me, they are the ultimate afternoon treat. At 3pm, a diet coke just doesn't always do it.

So, on Superbowl Sunday, I was looking forward to having one of my sister's brownies. She and the girls, my 7 year old nieces, Taylor and Nicole, had made them, and decorated them with little blue and red frosting footballs. I was just about to take my first bite when my sister told me that they were low-fat.

"I used applesauce instead of oil."

I put the brownie down. A girl in my office, a tiny little thing, size 0, 90 some odd pounds, who existed on chicken broth and chopped tomatoes, used to bake this way. She used prunes I think or something odd like that, and would proudly bring her creations into the office, where everyone oohed and aahed and threw them out when she wasn't looking. They were nasty.

"I'm all set. I think I'll have more kielbasa." The kielbasa was really good, it was bubbling away in a crockpot, swimming in barbeque sauce, pineapple and cherries.

"Don't be ridiculous. Just try one."

The girls seemed to be enjoying their brownies, if the frosting smudged all over their faces and hands was any indication.

I tentatively took one bite, and then another.

"Wow. No oil, or butter? Just applesauce? Are you sure?"

"Told you so."

Have I mentioned that I'm a brownie snob? That I am not interested in low-fat? I prefer flavor? Well, I was just floored by how good these were.

"You know, I actually like these better than the last time you made them. They had a funny taste."

"Oh, that might have been because I used olive oil."

You think?  Regardless, these brownies were just as chewy and rich as any made with oil, and maybe even better, as shocking as that may seem.

I'm already thinking ahead to my next batch, when I might slip in a bit of raspberry preserves along with the applesauce.

:)

Comments

[Nic]

I don't suppose that you sister would care to share the secret to her success (i.e. her recipe) with all your readers? A low fat brownie that tastes like the real thing sounds good to me!

[pam]

Sorry Nic! That would help, wouldn't it? I believe it was a half cup of applesauce. My sister used a Duncan Hines box, and they actually give the option there to substitute applesauce for oil.

If you wanted to make it from scratch, it would probably work just as well. I've made the brownie recipe right on the back of the Nestle chocolate chips bag, and it is decadent, full of chocolate. :)

Oh, fyi, I checked out your blog too, and the pictures are gorgeous. I may need to try the meat loaf recipe too.

[Marley]

The applesauce trick DOES work and they're delish! They're more on the cakey side, but if you've got to have a brownie it works.

Also, if you're looking for high-taste, low-fat, try No Pudge Brownie mix. You can get it at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and sometimes at the chains, but all you do is add low-fat vanilla yogurt and they're incredible! And, they're Weight Watcher approved.

Marley = )