I haven't made this but I do love using Grape Nuts in recipes so I thought it was pretty fun to find this awhile back. I'd probablymake it as written first, then try substituting applesauce for most or all of the shortening to see if it works. The glory of Grape Nuts isthat they're so low-fat. I *LOVE* the idea of making my own. I'dprobably grind some barley, too, to sub for some of the flour since the Grape Nuts box says wheat, malted barley, yeast and salt. Hmmm .. yeast .. now *that's* interesting ... hmmmmmm .....Enjoy, JanetHomemade Grape Nuts 3 1/2 cups whole wheat or graham flour 2 cups buttermilk 1 cup molasses 1 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. shortening 1 tsp. vanilla Combine all ingredients and mix well. Spoon into 9" x 13" baking pan.Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Remove from ovenand cover with a towel to cool. When cooled, crumble with hands. Return to oven. Bake at 200 degrees for 1-1 1/4 hours, until dry and crisp. Store in a tightly covered container.