I highly recommend against marking this post as read.  Do you guys do that to my posts?  I am SO guilty of doing that to so many blogs in my Google Reader.  Typically if I find myself “marking as read” over and over, I will try to remove that blog from my Reader list to keep it manageable.

But I know you guys don’t do that to me.  And for all you readers with a sweet tooth, you’re welcome for this one.

I didn’t even try to make a healthy version of these.  And I’m not really sorry about it because there are just some times where a healthier version just won’t do.

Apple Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting

Recipe inspired from my Bars & Squares cookbook

Ingredients

For the Blondie…

• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped and peeled apples
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Brown Sugar Frosting…

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups confectionery sugar
• Dash apple pie spice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla (all from blondie ingredients) in a large bowl until thick and smooth.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the above mixture on low-speed, mixing until blended.
4. Stir in apples and nuts, mixing well.  Spread evenly in a 13×9 greased pan.
5. Bake in preheated oven until set and golden, about 25-30 minutes.
6. While blondies are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Stir in the brown sugar and milk.  Bring mixture just to a boil then remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
8. Stir in confectioner’s sugar and apple pie spice, mixing until smooth.
9. Spread evenly over bars, making sure to wait until bars cool before frosting.
10. Cut into bars or squares, and enjoy the sugar high!

I think it’s safe to say that Sunday was a cheat day, food wise.  I did get my workout in though (thanks, Emily!).

#cheat day   #sundayfunday   #friendsgiving

Let’s just say I felt like I had to unbutton my pants all night.  And they didn’t even have buttons.

If you are looking for a dessert to make for your Thanksgiving plans this year, this would be a great choice!  Something different, a crowd pleaser, and these blondies were pretty easy to make too.

When’s the last time you had a cheat day?  Are you baking for Thanksgiving this year?

Back on track today!  As I always say, living a healthy lifestyle means being mindful of when you will have a “splurge” day.  Not feeling guilty about it is so important, especially for your mental health.  I fully embrace the 80/20 rule (the recommendation to focus 80% of your food choices coming from wholesome and nutritious foods, with 20% from the things you enjoy that might not be the absolute best for your body).  I know when I have cheat days, I’m usually back to embracing that balance the next day.

That being said, it was greens for lunch today, and I plan on getting in a fab cardio sesh of my own in before subbing for Monique’s Dynamax class tonight.  Heading to the gym now… can’t wait!