Not just apples, but applesauce too

About a month ago, I said I was finished with apple recipes. I lied... again! While looking through my apple file for a certain recipe, I happened upon several recipes clipped together that said, “Applesauce recipes.” Hm-m-m. Guess I forgot about using applesauce in some recipes. Our son’s apple trees were loaded this year so you know what I’ve been doing for the past two-three days. Well of course, it’s applesauce in today’s recipes.

APPLESAUCE  BBQ CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 oz. each)
1/2 t. pepper
1 T. olive oil
2/3 c. each, chunky applesauce and spicy barbecue sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 t. chili powder

Sprinkle chicken with pepper, on both sides. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil on both sides. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, mixing well; pour over chicken. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer, spooning barbecue sauce over chicken, twice. Makes four servings. Nutrition facts: One chicken breast with 1/3 c. sauce equals 308 calories, 94 mg. cholesterol, 2 g. saturated fat, 433 mg sodium, 22 g. carbs, 1 g. fiber

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APPLESAUCE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING
2-1/2 c. flour
2 t. cinnamon
1-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 large egg
1 egg white
1-1/2 c. unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 c. raisins or currents
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together first five ingredients. In a large bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, cream sugar and butter until light yellow and fluffy, scraping bowl often. Add egg and beat well; add egg white and beat well. Using a wooden spoon, stir in one third of flour mixture, then half of the apple sauce. Repeat; then stir in the remaining flour mixture. Stir in the raisins and pecans. Spread batter evenly into a greased and lightly floured (or use the baking/cooking spray) 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Put pan on wire rack. Cool cake completely. Frost with caramel frosting. Note: You can use cream cheese frosting if you don’t care for caramel frosting.

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CARAMEL FROSTING
3/4 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 c. low fat (1%) milk
2 T. butter or margarine
3 c. powdered sugar

In a medium-size saucepan, combine all ingredients except powdered sugar and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for two minutes whisking constantly. Remove from heat. Pour into a large bowl; let stand for one hour or until mixture comes to room temperature. With an electric mixer, on medium speed, gradually add powdered sugar, beating until frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency. Frost immediately.

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GINGER/ APPLESAUCE SQUARES
1 pkg. (14.5 oz.) gingerbread mix
1 c. applesauce
1/2 c. each, raisins and finely chopped nuts

Whipped cream, ice cream or applesauce Grease and flour (or use baking/cooking spray) a 9x9-inch baking pan. Prepare gingerbread mix as directed on package, except decrease water to 1/4 c. and add applesauce. Stir in raisins and nuts. Spread in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm or cold, topped with whipped cream, ice cream or a dollop of warm applesauce. Makes six to nine servings.

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GLUTEN FREE BANANA BREAD
2 c. gluten free all purpose baking flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 c. mashed bananas (4-5 medium)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/3 c. canola oil
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped walnuts - optional

In a large bowl, combine first three ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients, except nuts. Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened. Turn into two 8x4 inch loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before turning out onto wire rack to cool. Makes two loaves, 10 slices each. Nutrition facts: One slice equals 140 calories, 1 g. saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 89 mg. sodium, 21 g. carbs, 2 g. fiber

Thought for the Day: No winter lasts forever (although it feels like it), no spring skips its turn.