Your guide to cutting calories without losing flavor

Substitute Oat Flour for refined white flour in equal parts; , It gives you a boost of filling fiber and is heart-healthy.  You can easily find this in grocery stores, but if you can’t, grind regular oats in a food processor.

Use Real Extracts and spices rather than artificial flavoring (vanilla extract instead cheaper vanilla flavoring, for example) to add an extra kick of flavor.

Be Creative. Certain delicate desserts like soufflés are tough to modify.  But muffins, cookies, and cakes are forgiving.  Try tossing in dried fruits, nuts and seeds to add flavor, texture and nutrients.

Use Fruits. Substitute a large mashed ripe banana, plus a drizzle of canola oil, for a half stick of butter to cut fat and calories and add some healthy carbs.

Guilt-Free Chocolate Muffins

For the muffins, you will need:

• cooking spray
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 semisweet dairy-and gluten-free chocolate chips
• powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.  Place 8 paper liners in muffin tin; coat with cooking spray.
2. Combine applesauce and next 4 ingredients.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the next 6 ingredients.  Add oat mixture to applesauce mixture, stir until blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Spoon batter into muffin cups.  Bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan a half-turn after 10 minutes.  Muffins are done when tops are firm to the touch.
4. Cool slightly.  Top with powdered sugar, if desired.