Boxed Brownies - reduced fat, reduced flavor?

In a recent conversation with one of my favorite pharmacists, she commented on my predisposition toward using applesauce as a substitute for oil. She said there was no way that low-fat brownies made with applesauce tasted the same as regular brownies with oil. While I know that to be the truth, I have grown up with the reduced fat version and never saw a reason to try the full-fat.

So, upon reflection, I decided it was time to taste-test. While the kids were playing, I made two batches of brownies. Both the same brand, the same kind. I cooked them both for exactly the same amount of time in the same pan. I mixed them for the same duration and used cage-free organic brown eggs for both.

The experiment was fruitful. I learned a few things, namely if you use applesauce instead of oil, cook the brownies for a shorter time period. They will lack some of the moisture of a regular brownie, so if you undercook by a smidge, it will help. Also, you may want to use a blend of applesauce and yogurt or applesauce and pudding. There are a lot of fat-free diary products which may add some good moisture. I plan to continue to tackle that experiment shortly. I also learned that I have apparently fed my children low-fat baked goods for far too long. The Boy complained that the full-fat brownies were harder to chew. The chewier texture was a turnoff for him apparently. At least I know they'll be healthy...

New job, new life, new habits...?

It's official. It's officially official. Aside from the fact that I still work there, I have officially quit. And for my going away...they have asked me to train three new people starting this week. Apparently, Boss 1 has never considered what a disgruntled soon-to-be ex-employee might say to the three new kids; but whatever. I'll be a team player. This could be fun.

Being home more provides me with the hope (if nothing else) that I'll be able to work on relearning the healthier habits I had before I worked for KAI. I truly want to improve my exercise habits again. I miss walking and jogging. I've also been enjoying cooking while I'm not working. The Girl and I have made cookies (which we promptly delivered elsewhere, to get them out of the house), brownies (we tried making both regular and low-fat to compare the two. That's an entry in itself), and homemade mac and cheese (still searching for a better and healthier recipe). I also had a chance to make the Decadent Diet's Sinless Yet Sinful Sticky Buns. HOLY COW! They were delicious! Now, admittedly, they weren't as "low-fat" as I would have hoped, but if they were I think they would have been significantly less tasty. And they were reduced quite a bit in fat and calories from the traditional sticky buns we could have indulged in. They were universally enjoyed, and not just of the "it's good for being reduced fat," variety.

I'm hoping that now with the official changes, life will start to feel calmer, that I can regain the illusion of being in control of my own life, if only for a short time. I'm hoping to let go of the need to constantly be on my guard and focusing on self (well, aside from the blogging...as that is sort of the function...). I'm hoping to find a healthier place in my next place of employment. I really don't see where it could be less healthy, so I guess I'm on the right track already.