Pat - yes, I have tried substitutions but without much luck...(more)

I cannot believe the response to this recipe! I am just tickled pink that
everyone seems to like it so much! (Thanks for putting it in the newsletter
Betsy)

As to the substitutions:

I realize that a stick and a half of butter or margarine is a huge amount of
fat so I HAVE tried substituting applesauce one time as well as canola oil
another time....neither was a success. It was a while ago that I did this and
if I remember correctly, I tried to do it half butter/marg and half the low-
fat alternative. I remember that the canola oil was much worse than the applesauce version...it was just so runny that the topping lost that nice cookie-like consistency.

If you or anyone wants to tinker with this recipe and DOES come up with a
suitable way to cut the fat please be my guest. BUT - - you have to promise to
let me know. I would LOVE to be able to eat more of this pie...I usually
restrict myself to just a bite or two because I have slight weight problem.
(Also - the kids would be mad because there would be less for them!)
LOL

Take care everybody!