Apple Squares (Original and Healthy-fied Versions)

I had these Apple Squares at the funeral of Fran Jankowsky's husband Neil.  Fran is also an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and actually one of its first members.  Her friend Elaine Calligan provided the original recipe to me via good old mail.  It took about a month but it was worth the wait. 

Since my husband and I are both trying to lose weight, I tried to shave some calories from the original recipe by substituting egg beaters for one of the three eggs, yogurt for part of the oil and Splenda for part of the sugar needed in the recipe.  I was able to shave around 49 calories per serving.  Every calorie counts when you are trying to lose weight so I am happy.  According to my tasters including friends at a prayer meeting and my picky husband the health-fied version gets the thumbs up.  For me who had the original, I still am craving for that version but the healthy-fied one is really delicious.

I am providing both versions and their nutritional information.  Enjoy either one.

Apple Squares (Healthy-fied)

(Based on recipe provided by Ms. Elaine Calligan)

24 servings

Ingredients

• 2 eggs plus 4 tbsps egg beater
• 1/2 cup low fat vanilla yogurt plus 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar plus 1/2 cup splenda
• 2 cups flour 
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 to 2 apples, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

1.  Beat eggs for 1 minute, add sugar gradually, then oil.   Beat slowly.

2.  Add dry ingredients slowly to the egg mixture while beating.  When well mixed, fold in apples and nuts.  Mix well. 

3.  Bake in lightly greased (if needed) 9 x 13 pan for 40 to 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. 

4.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar, just before serving. 

Apple Squares (Original)

(Recipe provided by Ms. Elaine Calligan)

24 servings

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup oil
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 to 2 apples, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Beat eggs for 1 minutes, add sugar gradually, then oil. Beat slowly.

2. Add dry ingredients slowly to the egg mixture while beating. When well mixed, fold in apples and nuts. Mix well.

3. Bake in lightly greased (if needed) 9 x 13 pan for 40 to 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. 

4. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, just before serving. Do not cover, very moist.